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AUTOBIOGRAPHY 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 



WITH AN INTRODUCTION 



PROF. J. T. CHAMPLIX. 




PORTLAND: 

PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR. 

1853. 



3X^5" 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1853, 

BY HENRY KENDALL, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Maine. 



Printed by 

Erown Thubston, 

Portland, Me. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The following pages contain the memorial of the 
labors, and sufferings, and Christian experience of 
one of the pioneers in the Baptist cause in the State 
of Maine. When this State was yet but a part of 
Massachusetts, and occupied only by scattered settle- 
ments, here and there, at the most advantageous 
points, it was penetrated by the Baptists of the bor- 
dering states, who,gathering strength as they advanced, 
soon traversed its length and breadth, and preached 
the gospel at all the principal places. Like all pio- 
neers, these preachers were a race of hardy and 
enterprising men. Vigorous in body and mind, they 
cherished a not less vigorous zeal for the cause in 
which they were engaged. Laboring among pioneers 
in the settlement of the country, they brought them- 
selves into sympathy with their hearers, by the exhi- 
bition of the same bold, decided spirit. They attacked 
the consciences of men very much as the woodsman 
attacked the trees. They laid the axe to the root 
with a vigorous hand, and as blow after blow was 
dealt home, the forest re-echoed with the sound. 

At this distance of time, and after so great improve- 
ments in the condition of the country, and of society, 
it is hardly possible to conceive the difficulties which 



INTRODUCTION. 



they encountered, and the suffering which they en- 
dured. Without public conveyances, or even well- 
defined roads, they had to track their way, as best 
they could, through long distances, from settlement to 
settlement . or penetrate the unbroken forest to some 
remote logging camp, now, perhaps, the site of a 
flourishing village. In all these places they sowed the 
seed of the Word with a liberal hand ; committing it 
to the waters, confident that it would appear again 
after many days. And so it did. In these preaching 
tours of the early fathers, the nucleus of many a church 
was formed, and Baptist sentiments were widely dif- 
fused. The succession of bishops, in a large part of 
our churches in the State, if traced back but a few 
steps, ends in these apostolical fathers. Indeed, (to 
our shame be it said), they founded more churches 
than the present generation has been able to main- 
tain. 

But not only so, the preaching of these primitive 
evangelists acted powerfully upon the entire religious 
condition of the State. The old parish system which 
prevailed in the State, as in Massachusetts, had 
thoroughly secularized the churches, where any exis- 
ted, till but few traces of evangelical religion remained. 
The Baptist elders appearing among these decayed 
churches were regarded as New Lights, speaking a 
strange dialect, and teaching strange doctrines. But 
wherever they went the people flocked around them, 
some from real interest, and some from curiosity; and 
as is often the case, those who came to mock frequently 



INTRODUCTION". V 

returned to pray. The community was thoroughly 
aroused, revivals followed in their train, and churches 
of living members were formed in a multitude of 
places; The early Baptist fathers performed in Maine 
what Whitfield, Tennent, and Edwards did in many 
of the other states. They broke the formalism of the 
old Puritan churches, and revived the fast vanishing 
doctrine of the new birth. 

The publication of a book of so humble pretensions 
as this, which lays no claim to elegance of style, or 
literary finish of any kind, may appear to some an 
impropriety. But I do not deem it thus, Far from 
it. These early laborers pursued their calling under 
great disadvantages, and amid many difficulties. We 
have entered into their labors, and it is good for us to 
be reminded by whose toils we enjoy our present 
goodly heritage, and to be stimulated by their exam- 
ple to greater self-denial, and more persevering labors. 
While, therefore these memorials will be specially 
grateful to those familar with the scenes and events 
which they commemorate, they will be interesting and 
profitable to all. 

Besides, recent events exhibit a gratifying interest 
in the early history of our denomination in this coun- 
try. Two Baptist Historical Societies, one in Boston, 
and one in Philadelphia, have recently been formed 
under very favorable auspices. In this early history, 
the Maine Chapter* will be found to be one of no com- 
mon interest. I know of no part of our country where 
so humble means have accomplished more noble and 

1* 



VI INTRODUCTION. 

enduring results. The pioneers in the cause were 
few in number and poor in estate, without rank or 
learning to give them influence, and, altogether such 
a class of men as few would have thought adequate to 
so great a work. But they were men of great vigor 
of body and mind, and some of them of a peculiar 
nobleness of nature, and more than all, of a truly 
evangelical zeal. Whatever contributes therefore, 
like these memoirs, to illustrate their labors, cannot 
be devoid of interest. 

Most of them have passed away from the scenes of 
€arth. One after another they have been gathered 
to their fathers, like shocks of corn in their season, 
without leaving behind them any extended memorial 
of their lives, except in the recollections of the 
churches. Among the last is the subject and author 
of the following memoir, who in the vigor of a green 
old age, has been able to collect together these memo- 
rials of his long and toilsome life, for the incitement 
and encouragement of those who are to come after 
him. May they be blessed by the Great Head of the 
church to the good of coming generations. 

Waterville College, June, 1853. 



CHAPTER I. 



BIRTH AND EARLY EDUCATION. 

I was born in the town of Sanford, in what 
was then the District of Maine, on the third day 
of July, A. D., 1774, in a little hut in the wil- 
derness. My parents were very poor, and the 
occurrence of the Revolutionary struggle being 
in the first years of my life was in no respect 
favorable to any improvement in their circum- 
stances. When I was about five years old, my 
father made a profession of religion, and soon 
became a wild fanatic. His subsequent course 
involved his family in great wretchedness. My 
mother was extremely kind and prudent ; but 
sad and broken-hearted. Her sufferings, for 
many years, were great beyond description. 
The children of the family were ten in number. 

When nearly ten years of age, I went in to 
live with Capt. S. Hatch, at a place called Mary- 
land Ridge, in the adjoining town of Wells. 



8 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

Here I was well provided for, and treated with 
great kindness. Mrs. Hatch was a very pious 
woman, and a member of Elder Nathaniel 
Lord's church in Berwick. She was wont to 
give me a copper for every Hymn I learned out 
of Watts, and after I had cpmmitted about thirty, 
her minister, Elder Lord, called to see her, and 
I was required to stand before him and repeat 
the thirty Hymns in succession. When I had 
finished, the old servant laid his hand on my 
head and pronounced a fervent benediction. 
At the close of the year I was called home, to 
the grief of myself and my benefactors. This 
was the only sunny spot in my childhood. 

When I was a little more than twelve years 
old, my father decided to have a reformation in 
the family, for some of his children, he thought, 
had become very wicked. Accordingly, one 
evening, he commenced with a son and a daugh- 
ter, one about twenty, the other eighteen years 
of age. He soon got them down on their knees, 
praying at the top of their voices. They con- 
tinued about an hour, my father walking about 
and telling them how to proceed. All at once 
they sprang upon their feet, clapping their hands 
and shouting " Glory to God !" After their 
zeal had somewhat abated, my father took the 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. V 

three younger ones, myself and two others, in 
hand. We were sitting together on a bench, 
when he came to us and said, " you must pray 
or you will go directly to hell." Thinking it 
must be so, we, of course, fell upon our knees 
and began to pray with all our might. I thought 
if I could pray just as father did, the Lord would 
surely hear me. We continued till I could say 
no more. It was now nearly midnight, and 
father thought we might safely adjourn till morn- 
ing. The next morning the news went abroad, 
and the neighbors came together to see the won- 
derful sight. My father then called upon my 
brother and sister to pray : they both kneeled 
down and prayed as vehemently as the night 
before. He then apprised the spectators of what 
Henry had done the evening previous; — that 
he prayed till he was obliged to desist from utter 
exhaustion. The reader may be sure that I was 
glad to hear this, for I wanted every body to 
know how good I was. After a few days my 
voice was restored so that I was able to com- 
mence praying anew ; and such was my profi- 
ciency in the work, that my father told me I was 
converted. Believing he knew, I, of course, 
became very happy. I loved to pray alone ; 
but mostly where I could be heard of others. A 



10 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

few months after this my dear, broken-hearted 
mother was obliged to leave her miserable home 
and her dear children, and seek a hiding place 
among distant friends. Here delicacy forbids 
my saying more. 

Soon after, my father disappeared, and I saw 
no more of them for a number of years. Four 
little children, of whom I was the oldest, were 
now left with no other reliance than the mercy 
of God, in an unfriendly world. I then sought 
a home among distant relations whom I had 
never seen. After travelling in different direc- 
tions nearly four hundred miles, I found a home 
for a few months, north of Center Harbor, New 
Hampshire; but, not being treated well, I left 
and went to another place where I remained a 
year. At this place I was well used. At this 
time I was very anxious to learn the shoemaker 
and tanner's trade. Accordingly, I went to 
Center Harbor and commenced the trade with 

Mr. M . After some months, on application 

to the Select Men, I was bound an-apprentice to 
this man ; but it was not long before I saw the 
difference between a poor orphan, exiled from 
his family and friends, and a child at home. 
Mr. ]\larston was a merciless tyrant, and through 
his neglect my sufferings, especially in cold 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 11 

weather, were more than I can describe. — 
Friendless orphan that I was, more than orphan, 
in every sense of the term, my condition seemed 
to invite the combined tyranny of both master 
and mistress. Sometimes they were quite 
pleasant to me, and at othe; times they thumped 
me w T ith a bark rake till I was quite stunned ; or 
whipped me so that I have carried the scars for 
weeks. In this way I wore out my apprentice- 
ship, having no friend to interfere in my behalf. 
I was treated as a slave. I used sometimes to 
wish that they would kill me outright, that I 
might be out of my misery. I had never been 
to school a day in my life, until I went to my 
trade 5 and I had only attended school three 
weeks during my apprenticeship. My master 
taught me nothing but the coarse work in the 
shop. When I was twenty-one years of age, 
they gave me about five dollars worth of clothes; 
and as my indentures proved illegal, I could 
recover no more ; all was gone. 



12 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



CHAPTER II. 



CONVERSION, BAPTISM AND CALL TO THE MIN- 
ISTRY. 

I will now give the reader some account of 
my religious experience. 

When I went to Center Harbor to live, I found 
myself in a very wicked place. There was 
seldom a meeting, of any kind, from one year 
to another. I had already, at the age of seven- 
teen, acquired quite a taste for dancing, and 
was much enchanted with the violin. But I had 
hard work to bring my conscience to submit ; 
fori had always kept debt and credit with the 
Lord : and in all my troubles and dangers I used 
to pray, and promise to be good. In this way I 
kept my false hope alive. After I became satis- 
fied about dancing, (for I had decided that it 
was no harm, if I was not too rune,) I had less 
trouble with my conscience. When too rude, I 
repented and prayed and promised to do better. 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 13 

In this way I lived until I was in my eighteenth 
year. I recollect that one day during this period, 
I was on the lake, fishing for trout, with several 
of my companions ; they were very profane and 
went so far as to form a swearing match to see 
which could >o farthest in profanity. My blood 
ran cold, and I expected the ice would open and 
swallow us all up. But I thought if I was twenty 
rods from them there would be no danger, for 
the Lord knew that I was better than they, as I 
never allowed myself to use profane language 
in my life. I mention this as an illustration of 
my self-righteous spirit. 

About the time I was nineteen years old, sev- 
eral of my companions and I met one evening 
for music and dancing. Nothing arose to mar 
my feelings till about nine o'clock. I was on 
the floor dancing with others, when, instantly the 
veil was taken from my mind, and I saw myself 
on the brink of death, and an awful eternity be- 
fore me, which I was unprepared to meet. The 
thought chilled me to the heart ; but as 1 knew 
not what it meant, I strove to hide my feelings. 
My pleasure, however, w*as ended, and I was 
glad when the hour of separation arrived. I 
went home, and never was more relieved to find 
myself alone. I tried to settle with my offended 
2 



14 AUTOBIOGKAPHY OF 

Maker, and with my guilty conscience, by apply- 
ing the old remedy, repentance and good reso- 
lutions, but it was of no use. Sleep departed 
from my eyes ; Death and Judgment were before 
me. I found that the Law of God was out 
against me, and I was under its dreadful curse. 
My former hopes had fled. I saw that my 
prayers were nothing but mockery, and my 
promises no better than lies. In this situation I 
spent several weeks with no meeting to attend, 
no Christian to speak to me ; for there was not 
one in the vicinity. 

After I had been in this situation one or two 
months, one of my companions came to me and 
wanted to know why I had forsaken their com- 
pany. I told him that I had no more time to 
spend in that way. He left me and came no 
more. I read the Bible whenever I could do it 
secretly. I saw in the light of its teachings that 
my heart was vile and sinful ; but the Law of 
God, holy and just, although it condemned me 
in every part. I felt that my guilt was great ; 
and I saw no way to'escape the wrath of God. 
I even envied the brutes and reptiles their being. 

Thus nearly three months had passed away, 
when I heard that a Baptist minister was to 
preach in a distant neighborhood on the Sabbath. 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 15 

I succeeded in going to meeting. The minister 
began his sermon ; and soon told me all the 
things that ever I did in my life. He described 
my self-righteousness, my prayers and promises 
and reformations ; and then stated that we might 
as well dig down a mountain of flint with a feath- 
er as attempt to get to heaven on such a plan. I 
then felt that all was gone without some invisible 
guide — some divine aid. On my way home I 
experienced a strange sensation. For a few 
moments I felt light as air, and every thing 
around me appeared new. But this did not last 
long, neither could I tell what it meant. The 
minister made an appointment to preach at the 
same place again in two weeks. I put great 
dependence on going to that meeting ; but when 
the time came I was forbidden to go. My lot 
w r as to stay at home and take care of the child- 
ren, while the rest of the family went to meeting. 
My disappointment was so great that it was hard 
to be reconciled. I then went to my room with 
the New Testament and an old sermon-book, 
and in these I read alternately as much as my 
time and distress would allow. A little past the 
middle of the day, I opened the Bible, at the 
fifth of Matt., sixth verse. "Blessed are they 
which do hunger and thirst after righteousness 



16 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

for they shall be filled." These words seemed 
to meet my case, and afforded a gleam of hope 
for a moment ; but it soon left me darker than 
before. About three in the afternoon, I saw a 
host of people coming from the meeting ; and I 
was told that Mr. Knowles and his wife were 
going to the pond to be baptized. At this my 
heart leaped within me. I left the house and 
repaired to the water and got on the wharf. 
The people soon collected, and the old minister, 
Elder Jewell, began to talk about Christ and the 
way of salvation. He then prayed and baptized 
the candidates. While these things were per- 
formed before me, I had my first view of the 
glory and beauty of Christ, and of the way of 
salvation by grace, together with the subjects 
and mode of baptism. 

The minister and candidates looked like an- 
gelic beings ; every thing put on a glory that 
was new to me : but when I left the water I fell 
in with one of my companions, who had been 
very profane, but now appeared serious. We 
walked away together and took a scat in a retired 
place, and conversed freely ; but after some time 
a thought came into my mind that I was trying 
to make my comrade believe that I was better 
than others. This alarmed me so that I left him. 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 



17 



I felt as though I was a hypocrite, and darkness 
covered my mind ; but in reading the Bible, I 
found it a new book ; and it afforded me relief. 
Formerly its curses were against me ; but now 
its promises were sweet, and it was to me a 
precious book. I had now almost two years of 
my apprenticeship to serve, and there was not a 
professor of religion in the place. 

Here I would observe that I had never spoken 
to Mr. Knowles or his wife on the subject of 
religion; but 1 longed for the privilege, and 
when, at one time during the winter, I was sent 
to his house on an errand, my heart leaped for 
joy. I hurried in order to gam time to hear 
them converse upon the subject which lay near- 
est my heart. When I arrived at their house, I 
did my errand, and then waited for them to speak 
to me of religious things. 

But though they looked to me like holy beings, 
yet they did not name the subject in which I 
was so deeply interested. I stopped as long as 
I dared, and then returned with a heavy heart, 
and bitter weeping, running with all my might 
so as not to be blamed for my delay. By this, 
the reader will see the difference between my 
situation and that of those who enjoy the privi- 
leges of the present day. 



18 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

But soon after this, my master moved to Moul 
lenboro', where it was often boasted that there 
was not a Baptist in town. And indeed there 
were none but Universalists and Arminians in 
the place. However, it was soon reported that 
1 was a Baptist ; which rendered me an object 
of contempt and speculation. I was attacked on 
every side, but their arguments had the same 
effect on me that the wind has on the trees in 
an open field, causing them to take deeper root; 
they confirmed me in the views I already enter- 
tained. 

Immediately after I had finished my services, 
I hired out a month at haying for seven dollars, 
and having spent the proceeds of my month's 
labor for clothing, I went to Center Harbor. 
Here I tarried the first night at Mr. John Bean's, 
when, for the first time, I met with Elder Nich- 
olas Folsom, who was then on a visit at Mr. 
Bean's. Mr. Bean's daughter had lately met 
with a change of heart. Here, for the first time, 
I had the privilege of hearing Christian expe- 
rience and Christian trials. By this I found my 
hope increased and my faith strengthened. I then 
went to visit Bro. Knowles and wife ; and, find- 
ing them very Lonely, and glad to see me, I gave 
them some account of what I had passed through. 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 19 

I referred to a previous call at their house, and 
told them how I ran all the way from home to 
gain time to hear them converse on religion, and 
how grieved I was that they did not name it. 
At this they both wept bitterly, and asked me to 
forgive them. They said it was a lesson they 
should never forget ; and truly it has been to me, 
although I have too often forgotten it. 

Here I would remark, that even Christians 
often overlook such opportunities of doing good. 
Had those dear Christians in whom I had so 
much confidence, entered into my feelings, what 
an unspeakable help it might have been to me 
during the two long years I was separated from 
all Christian society. I have frequently thought 
of the magnitude of the sins of omission of which 
Christians are often guilty, and of the innumer- 
able ways in which they neglect their duty : thus 
losing the opportunity of doing that which 
might tell on the eternal destinies of thousands. 
And though I have occasion to weep over my 
own frequent omissions of duty, yet to some 
extent the Lord has helped me to improve some 
of those opportunities, and the amount of good 
that has resulted, will be rightly counted in 
eternity. 1 have often thought that the highest 
degree of perfection that can be attained on earth 



20 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

is to know how to prize and how to improve the 
present moment ; and what an amount of distress 
has been endured by pious souls who were 
weak in faith and hope, all of which might, per- 
haps, have been prevented, but for the neglect 
of Christians. What an amount of bitter regret 
has been felt by Christians, on account of neg- 
lected duties, when their friends have been 
snatched from their presence forever. When 
shall we learn to be wise ? But I must return 
to my narrative. 

From Center Harbor I went to Meredith where 
I found a reformation. There I found a language 
that I well understood. My hope was then re- 
vived, and in about a month I was baptized by 
Elder Nicholas Folsom, and united with .the 
Baptist church in Meredith, in September, 1775. 
Here I would mention a sore trial I had about 
being baptized. I had long regarded the ordi- 
nance as a duty, and thought of the occasion 
with delight ; but when the time came and the 
church received me, I was in total darkness. 
The tempter told me that I was a hypocrite, and 
that if I went into the water, I should be drowned; 
and it looked so just that it should be so, that I be- 
gan to think it would be. I, however, prepared 
myself and went with the company to the water. 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 21 

There was also an old lady (whose name was 
Black) to be baptized at the same time. It was 
said by all that knew her, that she was very 
pious. But the impression that I was deceived, 
and that if I went into the water, I should surely 
be drowned, west through my soul like fiery 
darts. Bat I thought I had felt it my duty in 
time past, and possibly this might the work of 
the tempter, and so I ventured forward. But 
when I was buried in the water it strangled me 
a little, and now, said the tempter, you have the 
sure mark of a hypocrite ; for Christians never 
strangle when they are baptized. I was particu- 
larly anxious therefore to see how it fared with 
the old lady. And when I saw that she was 
baptized without the least struggle, I thought 
verily it is the truth, and my heart sank like a 
stone. I felt that I would have given the world, 
could I have taken all back again that I had done. 
But when we left the water, the brethren com- 
menced singing a hymn which brought light and 
comfort to my mind. It was soon whispered to 
me, however, that I was like old Saul when the 
evil spirit left, while David played before him 
with his harp. 

After this my hope gradually increased so 
that I enjoyed many comfortable seasons inter- 



22 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

mixed with fears and doubts. As it was my 
custom when I felt comfortable under a ser- 
mon, occasionally to witness to its truth, I soon 
became an object of contempt among the wick- 
ed. I recollect that I was one day called to the 
training-field, it being general muster. I hap- 
pened to be placed on the front rank, and on 
either side and behind me were vile scoffers and 
drunken blasphemers. Whenever the officers 
were absent they would hold a counsel respect- 
ing me. One would say, "what do you think 
about his being a minister ?" Another would 
answer "he is too short," another said "he is 
not straight enough," and gave me a kick, say- 
ing you must stand straighter, or you will never 
make a minister. When at last we were order- 
ed to ground our arms, they took my gun and 
threw it away on the Common. I went quietly 
and brought it back but made no reply to any 
of their abuses. On a friend's coming along 
and chiding them for abusing me, I told him 
they were doing me no harm. 

In all this I thought I enjoyed the smiles of 
the Saviour and rejoiced that I was counted 
worthy to suffer for his sake. I went home with 
my faith strengthened while meditating on this 
text, "Who maketh thee to differ. " t pitied 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 23 

those scoffers who, giving themselves over to 
all manner of wickedness, became hardened in 
sin. And I could but reflect upon the distin- 
guishing mercy shown to me. Why, instead of 
being a trembling believer, was I not an open 
and obscene scoffer at religion ? 

In'the course of this year, I finished my trade 
and commenced shoemaking at people's houses. 
I then became exposed to bad company, and 
being naturally lively, I was soon led away by 
its influence. By degrees I lost my confidence 
and the comfort of hope, so that for four years 
and a half I had but little pleasure in the truths 
and duties of religion. I fell into some sins 
which will be to me as broken bones to the day 
of my death ; and what I suffered while in spir- 
itual Babylon, of guilt, despair and temptation, 
I shall never be able to relate. I had a stand- 
ing in the church all this time, though utterly 
unworthy. I had a regard for the cause of 
Christ and could not bear to hear it spoken 
against. 

In the fourth year of my stay in Babylon, I 
was married, and commenced keeping house 
without family prayer; but I had hard work, for 
it followed me like a ghost. But I was so guil- 



24 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

ty that I could not perform it. During the last 
six months, however, my distress was so great 
that I was driven to despair. I regretted that I 
had ever made a profession of religion ; for 
then I should not have wounded the cause of 
Christ. I thought I had just light enough to seal 
my eternal misery. 1 regretted that I had ever 
had a being. I thought that if I was lost I could 
not even have the lot. of common sinners. I 
thought if I could be banished into some remote 
corner of the earth where I should never hear 
the name of God blasphemed, it might quiet 
my anguish. I was powerfully tempted to put 
an end to my life, and know the worst of my 
case. A.S I was one day working in the woods 
alone and thinking over my condition, I con- 
cluded that I would go to the church and tell 
them that I was the Jonah — that they must put 
me overboard or the church would sink, on my 
account : but it occurred to my mind that if I 
told them so they would have more hope of me. 
I then grew angry, for I could not live in the 
church and I saw no way to get out of it. I 
thought the church were all hypocrites or they 
would know that I was one. I used to try to 
pray in secret, but I could not get near the 
Throne of Grace. 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 25 

In this situation I continued for some time, 
till one morning in the month of May I went to 
one of my neighbors to make a garden ; and 
before I got to the house Mrs. Roberts came out 
to meet me. She appeared to be in great ag- 
ony about the state of her soul, and told me that 
a young woman residing in her family had found 
peace in the Saviour, and that she was left for- 
ever. While I was hearing her joyful and 
mournful story I felt remorse and despair. But 
before I was aware, my mind was contempla- 
ting terrestial things. I was filled with joy and 
grief. I had a glimpse of the Saviour suited to 
my condition. The young lady went to Elder 
Folsom's, and in about two hours I followed her 
and spent the day very joyfully. On returning 
home I told my wife what I had seen, and then 
.fell on my knees and poured out my soul in 
prayer to God. I felt my sins forgiven and my 
backslidings healed. From this time I was 
much impressed with the duty of confessing my 
sins to the church and also to the neighbors, 
which I did with great delight. 

I saw so many stumbling blocks laid in the 
way of my fellow sinners that I felt that I could 
never confess enough. My heart ran over with 



26 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

exhortations to my brethren and to sinners. A 
revival commenced at this time and continued 
for some time, in which we had stated prayer- 
meetings. From this time until June 1801, I 
often used my gift in prayer and exhortation, 
and enjoyed the privilege. But as I was at 
work one day in my tanyard, these words came 
into my mind as though they were spoken by 
some invisible power, — you must preach the 
gospel. They had a strong effect upon my 
mind, as it was a subject entirely new to me. 
They followed me about a month constantly. 
At first, I supposed them to be from the enemy, 
and that he was trying to remove me out of my 
place in the church, which I much feared. 1 
also reasoned with myself that such a man as I 
could never be called to such a work, — one of 
no learning and so inferior to others of my fel- 
low beings. But still the impression followed 
me for some time and then began to abate. 

At this time my wife was sick and consider- 
ed nigh unto death. She had not professed re- 
ligion. I had labored much with her for some 
months until she wished me to let her alone, 
saying, — "the more you talk to me the worse I 
grow." She was in great distress ; and one day 
said to me, — "I shall die and go to hell." — 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 27 

These words came back upon me like a moun- 
tain. I thought it would be even so, and that 
my conversation had been the means of hard- 
ening her, and now I must be left alone, with 
the reflection that I had been the means of the 
everlasting misery of my wife. For a few 
hours my grief was indescribable. At length it 
came into my mind to examine what I had told 
her, and came to the conclusion that I had told 
her truth which would stand forever ; that I had 
labored for the salvation of her soul, and if she 
neglected it I was clear. I then had such a view 
of the justice of God, together with the sover- 
eignty of his Grace, that I was filled and over- 
whelmed with the Glory of God. I felt a free- 
dom in prayer for her recovery that I had not 
before felt. The next day she was better and 
soon recovered. 

But soon I found my mind running upon cer- 
, tain texts of Scripture, from which no other 
subject could long divert it. I then found it dif- 
ficult for me to conceal my labor of mind from 
my brethren. As I had to take the lead of our 
weekly meetings, in order to pass on unsuspect- 
ed, I would read a chapter and then give my 
views on some parts of it, and then close my 
remarks with an exhortation. When alone, my 



J>0 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

mind was employed in thinking upon the great- 
ness of God's mercy to me, the preciousness of 
the cause of Christ and of the souls of my fel- 
low-beings. I often felt as if it would be my 
greatest delight to spend my life in recommend- 
ing religion to a perishing world. I thirsted af- 
ter Bible knowledge : it was a precious book to 
me. But having no time to study it, I used to 
keep it open in my window when at work on 
my bench. In this way I became somewhat fa- 
miliar with it. I would find myself when alone 
preaching from some text of scripture. I often 
had something to say by way of confession and 
exhortation after my minister had done preach- 
ing, until on one Sabbath my minister took the 
following text : "Keep thy feet when thou goest 
to the House of God, and be more ready to 
hear than to offer the sacrifice of fools." I 
thought he selected that text to prevent me from 
speaking in meeting. I was ashamed to look 
up for several weeks and dared not open my 
lips in meeting. At length I could restrain my 
feelings no longer, and had to give vent to the 
feelings of my heart. But though the impres- 
sion of preaching Jay heavy upon my mind, and 
I was often followed by "Wo is me if I preach 
not the Gospel," yet I kept all my trials from 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 29 

the church. I had a family ; had just begun in 
the world as a mechanic, with a good run of 
custom ; and a prospect of doing well. I fore- 
saw that if I must preach I must leave my busi- 
ness, and in that direction nothing but poverty 
stared me in the face. At length I came to the 
conclusion, to act present duty and leave the 
event with God. About this time our minister 
was absent on the Sabbath, and Dea. Swain took 
the lead of the meeting in the forenoon, and 
told me T must lead in the afternoon. It was 
with much trembling that I attempted ; but af- 
ter prayer and singing, while looking round on 
the people, these words rolled in upon my mind, 
"All flesh is as grass" &c &c. I arose and re- 
peated the words without a Bible, and commenc- 
ed speaking. A flow of bible truth poured into 
my mind so that I knew not when to stop. Af- 
ter this- 1 found it was whispered throughout the 
church that Bro. K. was called to preach^vhich 
produced strange sensations of mind. I found 
I had gone too far ; they had found me out. 
When the season of the Association arrived I 
went to the town of Eumne}^ with other breth- 
ren to attend the Meredith Association. There 
I found a powerful revival of religion, and my 

heart was full of love for souls; and the work 
3* 



30 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



of recommending a precious Saviour to a dying 
world seemed wholly to absorb me. After my 
return home I appointed a meeting at Bro. 

-'s house. Here, for the first time, I took 

a text in common form and spake as the Lord 
directed me. I told my brethren they might 
call it what they pleased, and do what they saw 
fit with me ; I had acted what I felt to be my 
duty. From that time, Oct. 1801, up to the 
present time, 1849, I have tried to preach the 
Gospel, as far as in me lay. 

I would mention here that when I first went 
into the neighborhood where I afterwards set up 
my trade, one of the men in town offered to 
give me an acre of land suitable for a tannery if 
I would set up my trade in that place. I after- 
wards accepted the offer, and not being ac- 
quainted with doing business I commenced 
building without a deed, and continued to labor 
until I had built a tanyard, a bark house, a shoe- 
maker and currier's shop, and also a house 
and barn. I carried on the business with fair 
prospects until I commenced preaching. Some 
time after this I called upon the generous do- 
nor for a deed. He told me that if 1 would give 
him a bond to carry on the business on the spot 
during my natural life, he would give me a 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 31 

deed, otherwise he would not. I told him I had 
served my apprenticeship, and I now chose to 
be a free man v and that I would not thank him 
for his property on that condition; and if he 
had not honor enough to redeem his promise, 1 
could do without it. My improvements ought to 
have paid me seven hundred dollars. He said 
he did not intend to give me anything for them 
because he got me there for a shoemaker not a 
minister. I was then brought into very trying 
circumstances. My ungodly neighbors were 
excited against me because they thought I was 
unsteady. My wife also arose in violent oppo- 
sition against my preaching. By this time my 
trials were great. I found I must abandon the 
idea of preaching or sacrifice domestic happi- 
ness and what little property I had gained. 
Here the struggle was hard and long. On the 
one hand was property and wealth, on the other 
affliction and poverty. This state of things 
gave me much cause for prayer. Some times 
[ made up my mind to work at my trade ; at 
other times to preach the Gospel. 

About this time, a brother by the name of 
Robinson who united with the church with me 
six years before, and who had been into the 



32 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

State of Maine to work for the season, returned 
home and came to visit me. I was led to in- 
quire of him how he had found the cause of 
Christ, and what was the state of religion in that 
region. While he was relating to me the des- 
titution in that region, there came to my mind 
the conviction than I must go into that wilder- 
ness and spend the rest of my days in preach- 
ing Christ. This impression I could never erase 
from my mind ; but how it could be accomplish- 
ed was quite out of my sight. 1 thought that 
if my house had been filled with gold I could 
have parted with it all for the sake of doing 
good to my fellow-men. But it was all dark, 
and the sources of my afflictions increased un- 
til my spirit was overwhelmed. At this time 
this precious promise came to my help. "Fear 
not thou worm Jacob, for I will make thee a 
new sharp threshing instrument, having teeth : 
thou shalt thresh the mountains" — Isa. 41 : 14. 
From this passage 1 was enabled to believe that 
if it was my duty to preach, the Lord would 
open the way. 

At this time 1 was called upon to supply the 
place of Elder Folsom in another part of the 
town on the Sabbath, and I i^ave some cncour- 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 33 

agement ; but when Saturday came, 1 was 
thrown into a severe trial. It was suggested to 
me that if I went I should be shut up before the 
people ; the cause of Christ wounded ; and I 
reflected on myself that I had engaged to go. 
Sabbath morning my troubles increased until I 
knew not what to do. I at length started, feel- 
ing more like a man going to execution, than 
like a person going to preach the Gospel. When 
I came near the place, it was whispered to me, 
you have no text : and in the bitterness of my 
soul I reflected that if I was not called to preach, 
1 wanted none. But when the time came, I was 
furnished with a subject, and enjoyed unexpect- 
ed help throughout the day. I then appointed a 
meeting on my way back in the evening ; and 
when returning there, it occurred to my mind 
that God had given me incontestible evidence of 
my call to preach, giving me such assistance at 
that time, and delivering me from the power of 
temptation ; so that I could now go on with my 
work with delight. But how little did T know 
of the art of Satan who was then blotting my 
soul with sin. That evening I had a barren sea- 
son, and returned home feeling that Satan had 
filled me with spiritual pride. 

In this way I continued to labor through the 



34 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



winter; preaching nearly every Sabbath, attend- 
ing lectures, funerals and prayer-meetings. In 
the month of March, I went to Newburyport to 
visit my sister Dunyan. Up to this time there 
had never been a Baptist church in that place ; 
but I found some Presbyterians and a few scat- 
tering Baptists that appeared very spiritual, and 
who became much interested in my lectures. 
At this time I became acquainted -with Capt. 
O'Brien, who afterwards moved to Brunswick 
and became a Baptist, also with Dr. Chaplin and 
wife and with John Butler who was then a young 
man. If I understood him aright, he received 
his first comfort from a sermon he then heard 
me preach. 

One afternoon I went to see old sister Taylor 
who came from Exeter and was living with her 
daughter. A number of pious women came in 
and we had air excellent conference. Sister 
Taylor's daughter was a proud haughty scorner. 
She took no interest whatever in our conversa- 
tion ; but kept steady at work sewing. Before 
we separated, the ladies went to look at her 
work. She spread it out on her carpet. They 
asked her what she called it. She told them it 
was Job's troubles, and she did not know how 
he would get out of it. She tlicn began to fold 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 35 

it up. I requested her to stop. She did so. I 
then observed that her picture of Job most sol- 
emnly presented to me the situation of her soul ; 
that it was not only spotted with sin, but it was 
defiled throughout; that unless it was purified 
by the blood of Christ, it would be lost forever. 
These remarks went home to her heart. The 
tears stood in her eyes. 1 prayed, and we 
parted. 

That night she was in such distress that she 
called her mother out of her bed to pray for her. 
The next day while I was preaching, the Lord 
set her soul at liberty. The next day her broth- 
er called to see her. He used very abusive lan- 
guage to her, and said he would rather have 
found her in a house of ill fame : and that when 
her husband came home he would set him 
against her. This wounded her feelings deep- 
ly; but after he went out she took up Watts 1 
Psalms and opened at these words: 

Though friends and kindred near and dear, 

Leave me to want and die, 
My God will make my life his care, 

And all my wants supply. 

When I called on her soon after, I found her 
in an excellent frame of mind, and her dear old 
mother rejoicing with her. The last evening I 



36 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

stayed in the place I preached at their house. 
A number of vile fellows collected, and with 
much tumult forced in the door; but by the ex- 
ertions of Capt O'Brien they were dispersed. 
I stayed there eight days and preached eleven 
sermons, and then returned home. 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 37 



CHAPTER III. 



VISIT AND REMOVAL TO MAINE, ORDINATION 
AND SETTLEMENT. 

My troubles with my landlord continued till 
the next April, when the best that I could do for 
myself was to take two hundred dollars, settle up 
my business and quit the premises. So after my 
debts were paid I had but little left. I then 
moved my wife and two children to her moth- 
er's and prepared for a journey into the new set- 
tlements of Maine. But my trials did not end 
here. 

My wife continued utterly opposed to my 
preaching and completely set against moving to 
the East. My enemies advised her to leave me. 
But I told her I would not compel her to go. 
This relieved her in some measure. Before I 
started, I met with the church — told them 1 was 
going East, — they knew my standing and gift ; 
and I wished them to give me such writings as 
4 



38 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

they thought proper. They gave me the follow- 
ing writing. 

" This will certify that Brother Henry Kendall 
is a member in good standing in the Baptist church 
in Meredith, and has a profitable gift to be improv- 
ed in public, and we recommend him as such to all 
Christian people." 

This was all I wanted. I started on my 
journey May 1st 1802. I visited several places 
on the Kennebec and stopped a few days at 
Mount Vernon, where I tried to preach several 
times : apparently to the great joy of the breth- 
ren. Here I became acquainted with Elder 
Gordon, the first Baptist minister I saw in Maine. 
From thence I went eastward to Palermo. Here 
I found a small Baptist church destitute of 
preaching. I spent a Sabbath with them, and 
then went to North Palermo and preached in a 
barn. In this vicinity 1 found a number of breth- 
ren and sisters who moved from Meredith the 
year previous, with whom I had taken sweet 
counsel in the church. We had a joyful meet- 
ing on the Sabbath. The people collected from 
every direction out of the woods, and I felt that 
here was where the Lord would have me to be. 
The people were hungry for the Word of Life. 
In this meeting, he that was afterwards that ex- 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. , 39 

cellent deacon, J. Arnold, received his first im- 
pressions. From thence I went to Belfast, where 
I fell in company with Elder Isaac Case and saw 
him baptize two persons. I then went bacl^ to a 
new settlement, now called Belmont, and after 
preaching several times, was taken sick. I began 
to feel lonely, being in a land of strangers. My 
thoughts flew back to the wife of my youth who 
ha4 ever been my idol, and to my children who 
lay near my heart. I longed to see and be with 
them. 

After my recovery, I returned to Mount Ver- 
non where I was taken violently ill, so that my 
life was despaired of. I thought myself that I 
must die ; but I had some comfort in contem- 
plating the perfections of God. But soon it pleas- 
ed God to try my soul again in the fiery furnace. 
My mind fell into a state of despair,"so that I 
doubted my interest in Christ and my call to 
preach. 1 was led to contrast my present situa- 
tion with the past. One year before, I was in 
prosperity, enjoying domestic comfort ; but now 
in a land of strangers, on the brink of the grave. 
I had ruined myself and family as it then ap- 
peared, and for three days and nights I had no 
rest nor comfort of hope. The brethren came in 
to see me, expressing much sympathy, but were 



40 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

comforted believing me near Heaven. ! how 
it distressed me to think of their disappointment; 
for I was sunk in deep waters where there was 
no standing. On the fourth day I took up 
Watt's Psalms, and providentially opened to the 
one hundred and forty -third Psalm. It seemed 
to express my whole case, and was made a pecu- 
liar blessing to my soul. Darkness fled away 
and this text came to m} mind with great pow- 
er, " I shall not die, but live and see the glory of 
God." I was enabled to believe with all my 
heart, and told my friends who came in to see 
me, that I should certainly recover. But my re- 
covery was very slow. When I got able to ride, 
and was about to leave the place, a wicked and 
profane man came in and gave me a dollar to 
help me on my journey. I thought of the man- 
na that was sent to feed the Prophet; and re- 
ceived it from the hand of God. 

I then went to Hallo well attended a lecture at 
Bro. Tucker's. Here the people contributed 
about four dollars for the supply of my wants. 
From thence I went to Litchfield, — found a des- 
titute church — was kindly received by the breth- 
ren. I tarried there several weeks and enjoyed 
a refreshing season. While there I attended the 
Bowdoinham Association, and became acquaint- 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 41 

ed with most of the Baptist ministers in the dis- 
trict of Maine. 

During this time I suffered much from ill 
health, and one day while lying on a bed, feel- 
ing much depressed in spirit, I all at once had a 
view of the Jordan of death and myself on the 
brink. I thought I could see across and imag- 
ined I could hear the inhabitants of Heaven 
sing, and for awhile 1 longed to be with them. 
This refreshing lasted for some time. 

After this, through much suffering 1 returned 
home to my family, having been absent four 
months. I had received thirty dollars by con- 
tribution, — had consulted many physicians in 
regard to my health, but they gave me little en- 
couragement that I should ever regain it. But 
I was yet to be tried still further. I had been at 
home but three weeks when the last hundred 
dollars of my hard earnings were taken from 
me by two villains who fled to Canada. When 
I found it was gone, my heart sunk within me, 
and it pleased the Lord to let me sink in deep 
mire where there was no standing. Every thing 
in the providence of God seemed to speak too 
loudly to be misunderstood, telling me that I 
had been deceived from the beginning, and had 

4* 



42 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

ruined myself and family; and my enemies tri- 
umphed over me. 

From these fiery trials I had no power to flee ; 
of course I sunk under them. My prospects 
were gloomy; — my family destitute of almost 
every comfort. A long winter was coming on, 
and I was unable to work. I then said with 
unutterable anguish, " All these things are against 
me." I had no friend to whom I could unbosom 
my sorrows. I had to bear them alone. I recol- 
lect that while in this distressed condition, one 
Sabbath day I was brought to know what Jere- 
miah and Job felt when they cursed the day 
wherein they were born. I would have been glad 
to have exchanged conditions with almost any 
one of the animal creation, had it been in my 
power. In this way I continued through the day; 
and as I stood in my window and watched the 
going down of the sun and the darkness follow- 
ing, it appeared to me that I was sinking from 
the presence of the Lord. The last gleam of 
hope faded away. I never expected to see another 
morning ; for I thought the pains of hell had 
taken fast hold upon me. In this distressing 
hour, the words of the Psalmist came to my 
help, — l< Why art thou cast down, my soul, 
and why art thou disquieted within me : hope 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 43 

thou in God, for I shall yet praise him." These 
words, though they did not bring much comfort 
to my mind, held me up from sinking. The next 
morning I arose early, — took my cane (for I was 
very weak) and walked about forty rods into a 
field and sat down to meditate on my forlorn con- 
dition. I cast my eyes upon the western moun- 
tains just as the sun's gilded rays shone upon 
their tops, and then I had a view of the Sun of 
Righteousness. He seemed to rise upon my soul 
with such healing in his beams ; 1 felt such 
heavenly joy, that I rejoiced with all the power 
of soul and body. I saw that the Lord had done 
all things well. He showed me that I was noth- 
ing and less than nothing, and I blessed his name 
for it. I thought of those men who had taken 
my property, and I would not have hurt a hair 
of their heads. I pitied them in my heart. I 
then knew what it was to trust in God to take 
care of my family, and felt willing to go on if my 
life was spared to preach the unsearchable riches 
of Christ while life should last. 

This happy frame lasted some time. Not long 
after this, the good Lord directed a skilful doctor 
to pass through the town, who called on me and 
gave me medicine which was so blessed that 1 
soon began to work and earn a little for my 



44 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

family ; and also to preach some. So the Lord 
graciously provided for us that we did not suffer. 

The next Spring, after doing a little planting, 
I started again for Kennebec and went to Litch- 
field, where 1 met a hearty welcome. Here I 
tarried six weeks and then went home. I visited 
them again in September, and after spending 
some time with them, received an invitation to 
move my family thence and preach to them. I 
accepted the invitation, and by this time the Lord 
had made my wife willing to go with me. Ac- 
cordingly, 1 moved the following winter, Feb. 5th, 
1804. I found myself pleasantly situated here, 
but among a very poor people ; and after the first 
six months they wanted to let me travel one half 
of the time and preach to destitute churches. 
When fall came on I was obliged to move out of 
the house I had occupied, but I knew not what 
to do. After much trial of faith and prayer, I 
ran in debt for twenty three acres of " possession 
land," — commenced building me a house, and 
moved into it in December without a pane of 
glass, or a planed board inside of it. 

One day these words of Scripture came with 
great force to my mind, — (i Let the dead bury 
their dead, but go thou and preach the Gospel. " 
The impression was such that I got upon my 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 45 

horse and travelled as far as Sidney. From there 
1 went to Mount Vernon and spent the Sabbath. 
I then went to Fayette. In each of these places 
I saw some appearance of divine quickening. 
About this time the brethren in Mount Vernon 
requested me to be ordained, and to be at all the 
expense, if 1 would consent. This brought me 
into a great trial, for I had suffered extremely 
in view of being ordained, called to baptize, &c. 
Being small in stature, I had already, in my 
imagination, drowned many persons, while try- 
ing to baptize them. I was so tried that I often 
prayed that the Lord would not let any church 
call rne to it. But now it looked like the voice 
of God, and I dared not go back ; but in order 
to accomplish it I must go to Meredith and get 
my dismission from that church. I did so, and 
returned the first of April. 

The next morning while I was dressing, a 
poor brother in want came to my door; he was 
putting up a log house, and was to have some 
hands to help him. He wanted me to lend him 
some money to buy some pork for dinner. I 
told him I could not, and he turned away sor- 
rowful. I went to my meat barrel and found a 
few pieces of meat, — took a part of it and fol- 
lowed him. He received it with great gratitude. 



46 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

At breakfast my wife gave me an account of 
our family — asked me if I had brought home 
any money to buy provisions for us. I told her 
I had but very little. " Well," said she, " our 
meat and meal, and about every other article are 
nearly gone , and what shall we do?" I re- 
minded her that the Lord had provided for us 
when we were in great straits, and I doubted 
not he would now. I told her she must pray for 
what she wanted, but this did not satisfy her ? 
she wept bitterly. After I had read and com- 
mitted our wants to God, I went again to my 

work. While at dinner, a Deacon M , from 

the lower part of the town (not of our church) 
called and asked how we made out for a living. 
I told him we had enough for the present meal , 
and I knew not that we should want any more. 
" Well," said he, " I did not expect you would 
complain, so I will do my errand. Last fall, 
when I butchered my pork, there was a certain 
piece which I thought belonged to you. The 
amount of it is in the barrel, and we dare not 
eat it." At this moment I looked my wife in 
the face ; the tears were running freely. I told 
her never again to distrust the goodness of God. 
Soon after, I went to visit the Deacon, and he 
gave me a cheese and much more pork than I 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 47 

had given the poor man. Thus God for many- 
years tried my faith and patience ; and then 
supplied my wants in mysterious ways. 

Baptist ministers were then few in this region; 
and the people were hungering for the bread of 
life. Of course I was sent for in every direction 
— especially to attend funerals and lectures — 
at all distances up to thirty miles and under. 
At this time I visited the town of Wales where 
there was a small church. One Sabbath there 
were so many people collected that we were 
obliged to leave the school house and repair to 
the grove at a short distance. I found a beauti- 
ful rock for a pulpit, from which I tried to tell 
them about Christ the living Rock. The season 
was so precious that it was remembered by 
many for years. In these days I was wont to 
devote one-half of my time to travelling and 
preaching lectures to the poor and destitute ; and 
the Lord gave the word success. 

The time set for my ordination had now ar- 
rived ; and the Council met at Mount Vernon. 
I had sore trials for a long time on the subject, 
in view of the solemn responsibilities of the 
office, and my great lack of qualifications for 
the work. I also thought it very improbable 
that such a wise Council as were coming together 



48 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

would ordain me. And my prayer was that if 
it was not the will of God, that they might not. 
But the Council were unanimous, and I received 
ordination June 5th, 1805. The next Sahbath I 
had the privilege of baptizing a dear brother by 
the name of BufFe. Here I felt a witness of the 
blessed Lord. 

In Juty following, I went to visit a new settle- 
ment, east of the Kennebec, and spent two Sab- 
bath ; and it pleased the Lord to bless the word. 
A precious revival ensued, and on the second 
Sabbath they took a contribution for me, which 
amounted to one shilling per day during my ab- 
sence from home ; but believing that they had 
done what they could, I was well satisfied. Al- 
though it was hard parting with anxious souls, 
yet duty to my family called me home. After 
commending them to God and the word of his 
grace we parted, but with many tears. 

On leaving this settlement, I passed an open- 
ing in the woods, where there was a little log 
house, covered with bark. 1 had just passed it 
when I heard a voice. On looking around I saw 
a poor old woman coming towards me. She 
was an object of sympathy and pity, with tears 
running down her furrowed cheeks. She caught 
me by the hand and said : I am a.poor old sin- 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 49 

ner : I fear the day of grace is over with me. 
After conversing some time with her, she opened 
her hand and presented me with one cent, say- 
ing, this is all the money I have got on earth ; if 
it were a thousand times as much, I would give 
it freely ; pray for me, a poor sinner. I confess, 
I knew not what to do. I knew if I refused it, I 
should grieve her, and if I took it, she would be 
but little poorer. I therefore took it and departed 
with feelings not easily forgotten. 

After passing another settlement I entered a 
four miles woods. As I was alone, it came into 
my mind that this was a good time to review 
my past experience, to see if I had not been de- 
ceived. Accordingly I let my horse walk and 
commenced the work, beginning at my child- 
hood. 

I came to the next settlement — I seemed to 
be asked the question. Are you a Christian ? I 
answered, No ; for Satan looked as much like a 
Christian as I did. I then concluded I had been 
deceived altogether ; that I had deceived all that 
ever knew me, and if so, 1 was past all hope. I 
reflected bitterly on myself, and others, that 
they had not been more faithful to me. The 
distress that rolled upon my mind wefc great. I 
wept bitterly. 

5 



50 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

When I met people I could not look up. I 
was glad to find another piece of woods, where 
I could give vent to my grief. I thought I would 
say no more about religion ; nor again try to 
preach until I could know, beyond doubt, — that 
God had called me to the work. I thought over 
the promises that had often come to my help, 
and it appeared to me that Satan had applied 
them and I had been deceived by him. I thought 
I could be willing to wander in the woods for 
years if I could then know certainly that God 
had called me to preach. In this distress, the 
words of Christ to Peter came into my mind — 
" What I do thou knowest not now, but thou 
shalt know hereafter."" I regretted it, fearing 
that Satan applied it. I passed on a little farther 
and these words came to me — " I have loved 
thee with an everlasting love, therefore with 
'loving kindness have I drawn thee." But I 
durst not receive it. 

I arrived at Jacob Stevens', on Cross' Hill, 
when the sun was about an hour high, at night. 
I went in, and sister Stevens said she was glad 
to see me ; and that we would have a meeting 
that night. I told her I did not expect I should 
ever preach again. Said she, — " I will risk 
that." She then called her little girl and sent 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 51 

her to her father's, where the people were rais- 
ing a barn, to notify them of a lecture. 

I then began to feel sad ; for 1 knew not what 
to do. I threw myself on a bed, for I felt sick. 
I thought I knew nothing about the right mean- 
ing of the Bible : therefore I did not look for a 
text. When, however, the time came to com- 
mence a sermon, I opened the Bible and read 
the first verse that met my eyes. I had not 
been speaking ten minutes, before I forgot all 
my troubles ; and at the close, as I was seated, 
they began to speak, and continued half an hour. 

While they were exhorting and rejoicing, it 
was again whispered to my mind — What an 
outrageous being you are. On your way the 
Lord showed you what you were ; but now see 
how you have deceived this people. The day 
of grace is over with you forever. Under these 
impressions my mind was so depressed, that I 
was glad when the assembly had retired. I had 
but little rest that night; but the next morning* 
when I awoke, my trouble had gone. I found 
myself possessed of my former hope, and was 
led to wonder at the mercy of God, in holding 
me up under such fiery trials. 

After breakfast I started for home, and rode 
to the north part of Augusta. There I called to 



52 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

see an old pilgrim, whom I found weeping over 
her poverty. It came to my mind that a part of 
the ten shillings I had received belonged to her; 
so I gave her a portion of it. But I was imme- 
diately charged with being worse than an infidel; 
because I had not kept it for the support of my 
family. On leaving her, I went about half a 
mile, and called to see an old Congregationalist 
brother and told him about the revival at Paler- 
mo. When I left him he gave me the very sum 
I had given to the old lady. I then rode to 
Gardiner, and there met a very poor man who 
said that he must be sued for fifty cents, and he 
knew not where to get it. I gave it to him with- 
out conferring with flesh about it. 1 passed him 

about a mile, and called on a brother W s, 

who followed me to the door, and gave me fifty 
cents. So I went home with all my money ; 
and found it more blessed to give than to re- 
ceive. 

In September following, the Bowcloinham 
Association met at Headfield. The first sermon 
was preached by Elder Robert Low. The Lord 
spoke through him ; and a precious revival fol- 
lowed. Here I became acquainted with brethren 
Pillsbury and W. Allen. They had not been 
ordained ; but their hearts were warm in the 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 53 

work. At this meeting the Maine Baptist Mis- 
sionary Society was first formed. 

After the meeting closed, brother Pillsbury 
and myself tarried in the place some time, and 
witnessed a powerful revival. After this, I went 
to the north part of Bowdoin, and preached in 
several neighborhoods. It pleased the Lord to 
bless the word, and a powerful revival followed, 
in which I baptized a lovely flock of disciples. 
This revival gave rise to the Second Church in 
Bowdoin, which was organized in December 
1805. 

About this time I visited Sidney, and it pleased 
the Lord to accompany the work with power. 
A precious revival followed, and the Second 
Church in Sidney was organized in 1806, as the 
result of the work. This church rejoiced in an 
uninterrupted prosperity for the space of seven 
years. 

I recollect the Sabbath night after I baptized 

the first six in Sidney, among whom was he 

who .was afterwards Deacon Haywood, and also 

his wife. I tarried all night at brother Dyers. 

About daylight I awoke from the following 

dream : — I supposed that I was in that vicinity, 

and that I called into a house and prayed. 1 

knelt down near the door, which was open, and 
5# 



54 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



while I was praying, I heard an outcry among 
the fowls at the door. When I closed, I looked 
out and there was a beautiful flock of young 
ducks hovering round the door ; but on the other 
side of the street, was an over-grown hawk, 
which flew at the ducks, and they fled into the 
river. The hawk went in after them and I after 
him. I pursued him so closely that he hid under 
some eel-grass. At length, I caught him by the 
neck and dragged him out. As I walked back, 
he began to talk, and told a wonderful experi- 
ence, and then pleaded for his life. But I told 
him that he was a hawk, and if I let him go he 
would destroy those ducks ; that die he must. I 
then carried him to the house and killed him. 
I awoke, and behold it was a dream. I arose 
early and went into brother Haywood's. I 
found sister Haywood in great distress ; she 
said a certain woman had been in that morning, 
who pretended to have had a great revelation 
from the Lord : that the Christians were all de- 
ceived. I told her my dream, and that what 
disturbed her was the work of Satan ; that end- 
ed the trouble. The work of the Lord went on 
and spread into different neighborhoods. Truly 
we had a refreshing from the presence of the 
Lord. 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 55 

I will relate a sore trial which befel me while 
supplying the church in Sidney. Their first 
communion was on the first Sabbath in July, and 
their conference the day preceding. I had been 
from them two weeks, and my mind had fallen 
into a gloomy state. When I started, and while 
on my way there, my soul was like a wilderness 
where beasts of prey howl at midnight. When 
I got there, the conference had commenced. 
Six young people related their experience ; and 
most of them dated their awakening from my 
preaching, which only increased my misery ; for 
I thought we were all deceived souls. They 
wished to be baptized the next day, but my heart 
rose against it, although I kept my feelings hid 
till the meeting closed, when a brother came 
and said to me, — " What is the matter with you, 
Brother Kendall. " I told him if he knew, he 
would never ask me to pray again. 

I then went home with brother Dyer to spend 
the nigfyt. In the evening brother Haywood and 
wife came in to hear me sing. I told them I 
could not sing. They pressed me to disclose 
my trouble ; for they feared something had been 
said or done to wound my feelings. I told them 
that nothing on their part had hurt my feelings ; 
but if they did not let me alone, I should tell 



56 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

them ; and if I did, that would hurt their feelings 
worse than anything had ever done. But they 
would not be denied the truth. 

I told them that I doubted whether I ever had 
a spark of grace, any more than the Devih 
Brother Haywood paused awhile. " Ah," said 
he, " I understand it. The Lord is preparing 
you to preach to-morrow." I thought if that 
was the way he prepared ministers, I wished to 
be dismissed. But he would not leave until he 
heard me pray. Well, thought I, I may as well 
go to hell praying as any way. So I tried to 
pray, but found no relief. At a late hour I re- 
tired to rest ; but had little sleep. 

As soon as it was light, I looked out and saw 
some cows feeding near my window, and Oh ! 
how I envied them. I went away into the field 
and tried to pray ; but got no relief. When I 
got back to the house, something spake to me 
almost audibly ; saying — now you are expected 
to preach to-day,— to baptize and break bread 
to the church : — but you are a deceived soul 
and a hypocrite, and if you attempt the work, 
God will strike you dead. This brought me to 
a stand. I was strongly tempted to flee into the 
woods ; but I thought of the consequences, and 
dared not so. At length I came to the conclu- 



ELDDR HENRY KENDALL. 57 

sion that if the Lord spared my life, I would go 
through the duties of the day, if I went to hell 
at night. When I started for meeting, I fell in 
with a Christian who looked at me and smiled. 
Oh, how that smile pierced my heart ; hut on I 
went with these words cutting my soul — " You 
will be in hell before night." 

The meeting was in a barn, and when I read, 
" In anger, Lord, rebuke me not," I trembled in 
every limb. I went through with the morning 
services in this dreadful storm. When I went to 
the river to baptize, now, said the tempter, you 
will never come out alive. But while I was 
baptizing the first one, the cloud broke and dis- 
appeared, and for eight-and-forty hours the Sun 
of Righteousness shone on my soul with Glory 
unspeakable. I was then led to look and see 
the artifices of Satan. I felt my heart flow out 
in gratitude to God, that he had helped me main- 
tain the battle until he gave me the victory. 

There was a man living in the north part of 
Augusta, whose name was Andrews, who was 
not pious, but his wife had been a Christian for 
many years, and his heart was bound up in her. 
She had been received at Sidney as a candidate 
for baptism. He went with her to the meeting 
that had been appointed, to attend to the ordi- 



58 autobiography of 

nance of baptism : and in my sermon I spoke of 
the separation that the work of grace made in 
this world between parents and children, and 
husbands and wives, and the awful separation 
that must take place at the day of Judgment* 
This went home like a dagger to the man's 
heart. He felt that the separation had now be- 
gun, and feared it would be final. He wept 
bitterly ; and when he went to the water, he 
came to me, and begged that I would not go far 
into the water ; for if his wife was drowned he 
should be undone forever. After the> baptism, 
he returned home in great distress, and remain- 
ed so about two weeks, when he came to the 
conclusion that the day of grace was past with 
him. One day he made preparations in his barn 
to hang himself, and that evening after his family 
had retired to rest, he went to bed, in order to 
deceive his wife, and feigned himself asleep. 
But she understood his case, and watched every 
motion. As soon as he supposed she was asleep, 
he left the bed and went to the barn. She over- 
took him, and throwing her arms around him, 
held him fast. He begged her to let him go, 
but she would not, and after a while, they both 
returned to the house, and it was not long before 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 59 

he felt his heart running over with love to God. 
He had such a view of the Saviour that his 
— u tongue broke out in unknown strains, 
And sung surprising grace." 

The family was then called up and the rest of 
the night was spent in praising God. After- 
wards I baptized him, and they walked together, 
while they lived, as heirs of the Grace of God. 
In a few years they were dismissed from this 
world, and I preached their Funeral Sermons. 
" The memory of the just is blessed. " 

About this time my mind was impressed with 
the idea that the Lord had a work for me to do 
in Halloweli Village ; but there seemed to be 
no opening, as there was no Baptist in the place 
and only one denomination of Christians, which 
was Congregationalist, under the care of Mr. 
Gillett. I formed an acquaintance with their 
Deacon, Mr. Gow, by whose invitation I had the 
privilege of preaching a few lectures in their 
school house. But in January 1807, it was 
shut against me. As soon as that took place, a 
private house was opened for lectures which I 
attended once in two weeks statedly, and in 
March, I saw indications of a revival. A Mrs. 
Knights was brought to rejoice in Christ and 



60 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



wished to be baptized. Accordingly, the fifth 
of April was set apart to attend to it. ' 

We met according to appointment, and after 
a sermon, the candidate arose before a large as- 
sembly and told what God had done for her 
soul. This was a new thing and it had a sol- 
emn effect on many persons. We then made 
ready and repaired to the water. It was a cold 
blustering day, and many supposed the candidate 
to be crazy and tried to persuade her not to go ; 
but all was in vain. The boys prepared for a 
frolic, but when I arrived at the water, I told 
them what we were there for, and that they 
must be still, and they obeyed me. But when 
the people saw the candidate buried with Christ 
without a struggle, it had such an effect that 
many left the water with weeping eyes. That 
evening we had another solemn and interesting 
meeting. 

The next day I went to Sidney and spent the 
Sabbath. While I was gone, Mrs. Thomas 
Hinkley experienced religion, and she was so 
anxious to be baptized that she appointed a 
meeting on Monday, and sent a messenger after 
me desiring me to attend. Accordingly, I re- 
turned and found that the Lord was at work 
powerfully in that place. The husband of the 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 61 

candidate told me that two weeks before, he 
would have helped build a gallows to have hung 
me on : but now he said " you are welcome to 
my house." Soon after this the young chris- 
tians met one evening for prayer in a house that 
stood on the bank of a river. After they were 
assembled, a company of vile fellows collected 
and prepared to tip the house into the river. I 
was not present, but there was an old sister 
Ring, from Litchfield, in the meeting, who went 
out and preached to them till they all dispersed. 
From this time the revival went on through the 
season. From the fruits of this revival the First 
Baptist Church in Hallowell was organized in 
1807. The sermon was preached by Elder 
James Potter. 



62 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



CHAPTER IV. 



LABORS IN BLOOMFIELD, MERCER, ON THE PISCATA- 
QUIS RIVER— REVIVAL AT LITCHFIELD. 

About this time I visited New Sharon and 
Mercer, where there was a small church, and 
baptized a number at different times. Having 
been requested to visit Bloomfleld on the Kenne- 
bec River, I travelled that way to go to Sandy- 
River. 1 stopped at Dea. Thomas Steward's on 
Friday evening, and preached a lecture. 

In this place there were two small churches ; 
one a Baptist, the other a Congregationalist, — 
but no preaching in town. Here true piety was 
but dimly manifested, while religious errors were 
very prevalent. The Deacon requested me to 
return that way the next Monday and preach in 
their meeting house in the afternoon, although it 
was owned by both denominations. On my re- 
turn, and when two or three miles from the 
place, I noticed that people stared at me with 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 63 

uncommon curiosity. When I got to the meet- 
ing house the people were collected and waiting. 

The Deacon met me at the door looking very 
sadly and said, — " I hope the Lord will stand by, 
you today, for the Devil is let loose among us. 
I asked no questions, but walked into the meet- 
ing house. I felt a heavy load roll upon me, 
but going up the pulpit stairs it left me, and if 
ever I felt the Lord to be on my right hand and 
on my left, it was then. After I closed my ser- 
mon, the Deacon arose and said he believed there 
would be a reformation, for he never heard the 
Devil's dogs bark as they did then. But the 
work had already begun. I appointed a lecture 
that evening and the next morning. The Dea- 
con on his return home told me that as soon as 
he gave public notice of the lecture, there was 

one Capt. who said he knew me, and that 

I was a thief and a liar ; and he could prove it. 
The news went as fast as the notice of my meet- 
ing and many believed it. 

The Deacon thought I had better take the re- 
port up in public and clear myself of the charge ; 
but I told him I thought it best to let Satan cook 
his own meat and eat it ; that I was about my 
Master's business ; and that if any person nam- 
ed it to him to send them to me. That evening 



64 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



the people collected and filled the house in order 
to see the thief; and that evening the Lord gave 
me a search warrant for them and several were 
taken, and came forward and confessed their 
sins before the close of the meeting. Among 
them was the excellent Elder Jonathan Steward. 
Bat before the concluding prayer, a certain man 
arose and said he wished the people to know that 
he knew the Bible too well to believe any thing 
that I had preached that evening. But I notic- 
ed that while he was speaking the people appear* 
ed very uneasy, and as soon as he had done, I 
prayed and dismissed the meeting, and appointed 
another the next day. While going from meet- 
ing that evening, I thought I knew what our Sa- 
viour meant when he said, "Blessed are ye when 
men shall revile } r ou, &c." The very air I 
breathed was perfect peace. 

The next day I preached a lecture, and a con- 
ference followed, in which there came forward 
six persons and told what God had done for their 
souls in years past. We then repaired to the 
water and I baptized a part of them, and preach- 
ed again in the evening. The next day I re- 
turned home. But my mind was so deeply fixed 
upon that place that I returned again in three 
weeks, arriving on Saturday night. 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 65 

Sabbath morning it rained like a shower, but 
notwithstanding that, the people assembled and 
crowded a large school-house. After the meet- 
ing began, a man came in that I had never seen 
before, and pressed through the crowd till he got 
near to me ; and stood and looked me in the 
face. In a few minutes the tears began to roll 
down his cheeks. When the sermon had closed 
and several had spoken, I called upon him to 
pray and he readily complied and prayed sweet- 
ly. His name was Saul Steward, a member of 
the Congregationalist church. He had been re- 
tailing the above named vile report about me, 
but had become convinced of his wrong, and the 
next day in a public meeting, he made a most 
solemn confession to me and the Baptist church. 
This put an end to the Captain's stories. I con- 
tinued to visit them for a number of months ; 
and when the church was well waked up, then 
the reformation broke out among the youth. 
The work went on gloriously until I had baptiz- 
ed a lovely flock who were added to the church. 

I will here relate a circumstance which occur- 
red while the reformation was going on in 
Bloomfield. There were a number of cases of 
deep and protracted distress. Among them was 
the wife of Benjamin Shepherd. Her distress 



66 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



was deep and long. At this time I had an ap- 
pointment of three weeks mission in the vicinity 
of the Piscataquis River. One morning I start- 
ed to go, designing to return as soon as possible. 
I left Mrs. Shepherd on the brink of despair. I 
travelled on till past the middle of the day ; but 
with such forebodings of mind, that at length I 
halted ; and after some deliberations, I turned 
about and commenced to return. Again I halt- 
ed, and charged myself with enthusiasm. I 
again turned and set my face to go on my jour- 
ney ; but such distress rolled in upon me that I 
could not proceed. I managod three times in 
this way, till I found I must go back. When I 
got to Mr. Shepherd's, -about dark, I met them 
going to prayer meeting. They went back with 
me a few moments, and I inquired the state of 
her mind. She said there was no hope for her ; 
she was left to hardness of heart, ljthen repeat- 
ed to her the following lines. 

I mourn because I cannot mourn ; 
I grieve because I cannot grieve ; 
I think I would for sin lament ; 
But fear I am deceived. 

These lines applied to her case, and prevented 
her from sinking. Soon after this, she went 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 67 

with us to the meeting-, and while there she had 
such a view of a bleeding Saviour that she 
" broke out in unknown strains and sang sur- 
prising Grace." x 

After meeting, we returned home and spent 
the rest of the evening in prayer and praise. At 
length we thought it duty to retire ; but on look- 
ing out of the window we found it was daylight, 
I had never spent such a night before. I then 
understood the reason why I could not pursue 
my journey. Thus the work of the Lord went 
on; and near the close of the reformation, the 
church and society gave me a unanimous call to 
settle with them. When however the time came 
for me to give them an answer, I became satis- 
fied that it was not my duty. But I continued 
to labor with them till the reformation closed. 

About this time I started again to go on my 
mission to the Piscataquis river. On my way, I 
called into a log house to get some thing for my 
horse to eat. Here I found an interesting wo- 
man with three little children. Her husband 
was gone away from home to work. I asked 
her several questions which she answered ; and 
informed me that her nearest neighbor was three 
miles one way and five on the other way, and 
twelve another way. I asked her what she had 



68 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



to comfort her in this lonely situation. She ap- 
peared to dislike my question, and gave new 
speed to her wheel, but I endeavored to impress 
her mind with her need of Christ. At length 
she left her work, and sat down and burst into a 
flood of tears. I then tried to pray with her and 
left her. I then entered the twelve mile woods, 
for five miles of which there was no road. I 
was therefore obliged to travel by spotted trees. 
My horse got hung by the roots in a cedar swamp, 
but I got him out without any injury. I arrived 
at the settlement, called Amestown, on the Pis- 
cataquis River, about nine in the evening. Here 
I found a revival of religion, and tarried with 
them several days. I tried to preach with them 
two or three times a day, and the word was evi- 
dently blessed, and the revival spread. When I 
parted with them it was with many tears. I 
then returned through the twelve mile woods. 
About eleven, A. M., I arrived at the house where 
I left the weeping woman. Her husband (whose 
name was Hale) had got home. She professed 
to be a Universalist; but I found her in great 
distress. After dinner, I tried to pray with 
them ; and after commending them to the grace 
of God, I bade them farewell. She continued 
about a month in this distressed condition, when 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 69 

the Lord appeared in the forgiveness of her sins. 
Soon after this, (one Sabbath morning,) her hus- 
band yoked his oxen to haul some hay out of 
the meadow ; but while he was making ready, 
the Lord pricked him in the heart so that he un- 
yoked his oxen and went in and told his wife 
that he was undone forever. He continued in 
distress about a month, when the Lord set his 
soul at liberty. But more of this family hereaf- 
ter. 

On this mission I called at a settlement called 
No. 4 ; and found two pious women living a 
mile apart, and a c&dar swamp between them. 
In the center of this swamp they held a weekly 
prayer meeting. They appeared to enjoy much 
of the presence of God. I then went on through 
the new country till I came to the upper settle- 
ments on the Kennebec River. Here I found a 
destitute people hungering for the Word of Life. 
I preached to them on the Sabbath, and they list- 
ened with deep interest. I then followed down 
the river, preaching in every place where the 
people could be collected to hear, until I arrived 
at Bloomfield. On this visit I travelled about 
two hundred miles, through mud, and rocks, and 
roots, and almost without bridges. I was gone 
three weeks and preached thirty-three sermons, 



70 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

and attended some prayer meetings. I found 
t people who had not heard a sermon for seven 
years. 

About two years after, I visited the Piscata- 
quis country again on the las? of February. The 
snow was about four feet deep. I arrived at 
Mr. Hale's about dark. We were so glad to 
see each other that we did not know how to be- 
gin to talk ; but after awhile w 7 e commenced 
conference, in which they related their christian 
experience. I found them sound in faith and 
well engaged. The next day they got a few 
neighbors together and I tried to preach to 
them. . After sermon, Mr. Hale and wife re- 
quested baptism. Accordingly, I appointed a 
day on my return to attend to it. [ then went 
on to the Piscataquis river and enjoyed a prec- 
ious season. On my return I found a meeting 
appointed two miles from Mr. Hale's, in a neigh- 
borhood where there was much water. Thith- 
er we went. The meeting was held in a log 
house. The weather was cold ; but after meet- 
ing we repaired to the water, in which I baptiz- 
ed the candidates. After baptism, and while 
standing in the water, I noticed a woman on the 
bank who appeared as if she wished to speak. 
I gave liberty and she began, by saying that be- 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 71 

fore she moved into that wilderness the Lord 
made her willing by giving her a promise that 
she should see this wilderness blossom as a rose, 
and that day God had fulfilled his promise. 
She spake with such power that almost every 
eye was filled with tears. She then requested 
me to preach at her house that evening. I ac- 
cordingly went, but how was I astonished when 
I came to see how a daughter of Abraham was 
destined to dwell. She lived in a hut as open 
as a barn without battens or floors : and a rock 
chimney, built up with sticks and clay. She 
had, as I was told, a dissipated husband, and 
three or four little children ; but she was as hap- 
py a person as I ever saw. Her husband had 
built a large fire in his rock chimney; and 
when their few neighbors had collected, I tried 
to preach to them. After meeting, and when 
the people were gone, she gave me a history of 
the trying scenes of her past life, part of which 
was as follows : 

The year after they moved into the woods 
they were very poor and got to a state of starv- 
ation. They had corn growing on burnt land, 
which had just begun to ear : and the bears had 
begun to break it down. One day she went out 
into the corn to find a place where she could; 



72 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



pour out her desires in prayer for her starving 
•children. She obtained an answer on the spot 
that she should have help, and in what manner 
it was to come. She went into the house and 
told her husband to load his gun for a bear, and 
he would certainly kill one. He so far believed 
her that he did as she told him. She then went 
with him and showed him where to hide and 
where the bear would come in and pass before 
him. She then left him; and about dark the moon 
just shone above the tops of the trees. The 
bear came in and stopped directly before him. 
He fired and the bear jumped up in the air (as 
he thought) ten or fifteen feet. He dropped his 
gun and ran into the house. He blew the horn 
and three men came to assist him. They then 
went out and found the bear dead ; and as large 
;as four men could drag to the house. Thus the 
Lord prepared them food in answer to prayer. 
All this and much more, her husband who then 
appeared to be under deep conviction, testified 
was true. After midnight we retired. I could 
put my fingers out through the cracks in every 
direction. 

Soon I discovered the house to be on fire on 
on the top. The man got up and put it out. 
The next morning after commending them to 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 76 

the grace of God, with my heart filled with 
wonder and joy to see what grace could do , I 
bade them farewell. Not long after, I learned 
that the man had obtained a hope in Christ, and 
thirty-six years after that, (on one of my mis- 
sionary tours) I had the privilege of visiting 
BrGther Maloon and wife, and Brother Hale and 
wife, and found them enjoying a good hope 
through grace, and in comfortable circumstances. 
But to return to my narrative. 

In the winter of 1810, the church in Litch- 
field where I lived had become exceedingly low. 
I had been absent nearly half the time for six 
years. But in that time we had been blessed 
with a number of small revivals and additions 
to the church. But at this time, iniquity abound- 
ed, and a great flock of youth had grown up in 
sin. The spirit of prayer had disappeared in 
the church. In view of these things, my mind 
became deeply distressed for the church and for 
the youth ; so that for some weeks I had but 
little rest. At length I was led to fear that God 
was coming out against us in judgment, and that 
he was requiring the souls of that people at my 
hand. My distress became almost insupporta- 
ble. I visited, talked, preached, and prayed ; 
7 



74 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



but could see no good effect ; and in my an- 
guish I thought I would leave the place. Hav- 
ing heard of a revival in Farmington, I set out 
to visit that place. I stopped at Monmouth and 
witnessed the death of Brother S. King who 
died a most triumphant death. I preached his 
funeral sermon and then went on to Fayette. I 
took Elder Billings with me and then went to 
Farmington. There the Lord was carrying on 
a precious work. But Triad no rest. My soul 
was pressed like a cart under sheaves for the 
inhabitants of Litchfield. I left Bro. Billings 
and returned home. But when I got near home 
a horror of great darkness fell upon my mind 
so that I took no particular notice of anything 
till I found myself at my own door. I went in 
and found my wife had gone to Bro. Watson's. 
I went after her, and found at Bro. Watson's 
several sisters of the church met together for a 
visit, who were very lively but not in religion. 
The sight augmented my anguish so that I left 
the room. I was soon called to supper ; and 
when at the table I could not refrain from weep- 
ing. I again retired, and my friends were some- 
what astonished to see me in such a state. 

The next day was our conference meeting ; 
and I tried to unbosom my feelings to the church. 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 75 

My brethren stared at me as though they thought 
me insane. But soon after that, the blessed 
Lord gave an incontestible evidence that he was 
corning in mercy. I began to prophesy over 
the dry bones, and they soon began to shake. 
The church began to wake up ; and the dear 
youth to inquire what they should do to be sav- 
ed. The work went on till it formed a strong 
current, which bore down all opposition, so that 
in seven months I baptized one hundred and 
thirty-two. 

I would notice that at the commencement of 
the revival, Elder Wm. Stinson was pastor of 
the First church in Litchfield, where he had la- 
bored a number of years. The church had be- 
come divided, and had shut up their meeting- 
house against their minister. At this time I felt 
deeply impressed to go down and preach to 
them from a certain text. I. accordingly sent 
word to one of their Deacons that I would be 
there at such a time ; and if they did not open 
their meeting-house, I would preach on the door- 
step. At the time appointed I went and found 
the house open, and quite an assembly collected. 

Directly, Eider Stinson came and stood in the 
door as if he was afraid to come in. I called 
him to come into the pulpit. He came and 



/O AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

while they were singing, he wanted to see my 
text. I showed it to him ; it was this — u He that 
scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him 
as a Shepherd does his flock." The good old 
saint believed it was direct from the Lord ; and 
the tears rolled down his cheeks like rain. I 
then tried to preach as the Lord gave me utter- 
ance ; and a reformation commenced at the 
time ; so that Bro. Stinson baptized and added 
to the church about forty. The church became 
more united, and got along much better for 
a while. 

The subjects of the work in Litchfield were 
from eight years old to four score ; but the larger 
class were in the bloom of youth. Through 
all this revival their distress was deep ; and 
their joy was solemn. No loud crying, nor 
anxious seats ; no calling for people to rise to 
be prayed for : — but God wrought like himself. 
I would name one circumstance that occurred in 
this revival. 

There were several of the converts who, at 
the time of their baptism, appeared to be over- 
shadowed in an extraordinary manner with the 
glory of God ; and in less than a year the most 
of them were called home to Heaven. In the 
year 1811, I visited a new settlement called 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 77 

Malta Neck where I witnessed a precious revival 
and baptized a number of converts. 1 also vis- 
ited a settlement called Hunt's Meadows, where 
I witnessed many precious seasons. 



78 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



CHAPTER V, 



VISIT TO BOSTON AS REPRESENTATIVE. JOUR- 
NEY TO WARREN, R. I., AND SALEM. DEATH 
OF MY SISTER — MY LABORS IN SHARON. 

In the spring of 1812, the town of Litchfield 
made choice of me for one of their Representa- 
tives to the Legislature in Boston. When I was 
informed of their intention, it brought upon me 
a new trial. I therefore made it a subject of 
prayer, and became satisfied that it was my 
duty to go : but by no means neglect to preach 
Christ to my fellow- men. Accordingly, I arriv- 
ed at Boston the last of May, where I never be- 
fore had been. 

The second evening after my arrival, I was 
requested to preach in old Dr. Stillman's church. 
I told the minister, who was a very large man, 
that if he would run the risk of having his own 
feelings hurt, and of displeasing his people, I 
would try. 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 79 

When I went into the pulpit, I found myself 
•eated among the great and noble. The fear of 
man almost overpowered me ; but the blessed 
Lord came to my help and stood by me. This 
meeting introduced me v to many precious Chris- 
tians, so that the whole time I tarried in Boston, 
which was three weeks, I was called upon to 
attend meetings almost every night. When the 
Court adjourned to meet again in October, I re- 
turned home. • 

The year before, the Bowdoinham Association 
appointed me a Messenger to the Warren Asso- 
ciation, R. I., and the Boston Association at 
Salem, Mass., in September 1812. When the 
time came for me to go, I went to North Yar- 
mouth, and put up at Elder Boardman's. He 
inquired how far I was going. I told him. He 
said he went there to an Association, and the 
ministers were so much above him that he did 
not enjoy himself. In view of that, I was strong- 
ly tempted to return home ; but in the morning, 
I ventured onward. I concluded I would go and 
report myself, and then leave without attempting 
to preach in that region. I went to Newbury- 
port, and my brother-in-law put my horse into 
his chaise and went with me. I stopped at 
Beverly and preached on the Sabbath, in the 



80 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

evening we went to Boston. Next day, in com- 
pany with Dr. Baldwin, we started for Warren. 
Before we got to Pawtucket, the Dr. directed us 

to go through Eehoboth and put up at Dea ; 

but he went through Providence. The next 
morning we went down to Warren. I was an 
entire stranger in that region. My brother 
drove up to Elder Baker's door. He was stand- 
ing near, but 1 did not know him. He inquired 
if Blder Kendall was in the chaise. He told me 
to come in, for the first bell had rung, and I must 
preach the first sermon. I went in, but he kept 
out of my way. After a while, I spoke to him, 
and said, " Sir, you are not in earnest in your 
statefhent." "You will find lam," said he. 
;t The house will be full. The bell will soon 
ring again." He then asked me if I should like 
to go in to his study. I told him no, I wanted 
nothing of his study ; and again he left me. At 
this time, I was completely confused. I knew 
not what to do, for I had not a text nor a subject 
on my mind for the day. Yet I dared not say I 
would not, but I concluded if he led me into the 
pulpit, and the Lord gave me a subject, I would 
try to preach ; if not, when the time came to 
read the text, I would tell the people how I was 
introduced into the desk, and if they wanted a 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 81 

preacher they must find one. The bell soon 
rang. Brother B. said he would conduct me 
into the pulpit. No one can describe my feel- 
ings after we entered the house. I found myself 
in a great congregation ; and when the bell had 
done ringuw I read a hymn. I then tried to 
pray, and read another hymn, but found no text, 
till they were singing the last time. My eyes 
then fell upon these words, — " And hath raised 
us up together and made us sit together in heav- 
enly places in Christ Jesus." 1 then tried to 
preach. I soon found that the Lord was there 
of a truth. The sermon was followed by warm 
exhortations, and a precious revival commenced. 
I also found that instead of the ministers in that 
section being exceedingly proud, the monster 
was in my own heart, as I have often found. 

At Warren I enjoyed a season long to be re- 
membered. I then returned to Salem, and 
attended the Boston Association. After this, I 
visited and preached at Newburyport, and old 
Haverhill, and returned to Charlestown (two 
weeks before the sitting of the Legislature in 
Boston) where the Lord blessed us with a pre- 
cious revival. There was also a revival at Bos- 
ton, while the Court was in session ; \ w 7 as in a 
reformation almost all of the time. My sister, 



b2 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

who then lived in Newburyport, was a very pious 
woman ; but she was fast sinking in a decline. 
She was at that time a little revived, and wrote 
me the following short letter. 

Newburyport, Jan. 10, 1813. 

Dear Brother and Sister: —I take this opportu- 
nity to inform you, that through the blessing of God, I 
have recovered my health in some measure. I have 
been very sick, — have only rode out as far as Mr. Peak's 
s ince I saw you ; but blessed be God, I am spared a 
little longer. My babe is very sick with the consump- 
tion. Thus, while the Lord is pressing me down with 
one hand, he upholds me with the other; that I may lie 
at the feet of Jesus. The rest of the family are all well' 
We hope you all enjoy the same blessing. Our dear 
sister Garrison lies very low. Religion here is at a low 
ebb; but we hope not' wholly forgotten. Dear brother, 
come and stay as long as possible. Come in the name 
and strength of the Lord God of Israel. Your friends 
long to see you. Do write as soon as you receive this. 
From your Affectionate Sister, 

Mary Dukyan. 

But soon after this she fell asleep in Jesus. 
The particulars of her last hours are given by 
sister Garrison, who attended her in her last sick- 
ness. 

" Mrs. Mary Dunyon, of Newburyport, who 
died July 23, 1853, aged 33 years. Feeling 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 83 

that her dissolution was near at hand, she asked 
me if I thought it was death. I informed her in 
the affirmative, and told her with tears of joy 
and sorrow, that the blood was settled under her 
nails, and the cold hand of death was upon her. 
4 O, my dear sister,' replied she, c pleasing, 
pleasing news ! Blessed be my God that he is 
about to take the weary pilgrim home. I am 
going to my Heavenly Father's Kingdom, I shall 
rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of Glory ! 
I cannot, my dear sister, give up my hope or 
feel it shaken, for my God, my Redeemer will 
come and will not tarry. I shall soon enter the 
gates of the New Jerusalem.' After a severe 
spell of coughing, she revived again, and said* 
4 the exit will be hard ; but God will grant me 
the light of his countenance. His rod and staff 
shall comfort me in the valley of the shadow of 
death. I do not wish to be more holy than God, 
but soon I shall see him without sin ; all tears 
shall be wiped from my eyes, and I shall reign 
with him forever.' I said to her, — ; My dear 
sister, the sting of death is gone.' ; Yes,' said 
she, ' Death is swallowed up in victory.' I asked 
her if the immutability of God's love to her ap- 
peared beautiful. ' Yes, my dear sister,' said 
the dying saint, 6 1 view the pearly gates of 



84 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

heaven. I see the way. My conducting angel 
is waiting for death to release the prisoner, and 
set the captive free. O, blessed Jesus, take the 
wanderer home. I can see how just and right 
God's dealings have been through life ; although 
his providence has been dark at times to me. 
Yet blessed be his name, for all his goodness to 
me. What are all my sufferings compared with 
the sufferings of Christ on Calvary, to redeem 
my soul ; and blessed be his name, he now gives 
me an earnest of the heavenly inheritance. 
Glory, Glory, be to his name ; a few more 
struggles and sighs, and I shall be at rest.' — 
Here she closed her dying eyes, and lay some 
time ; then opened them again, and said: — 4 I 
know that my Redeemer liveth. I long to de- 
part and be with Christ, which is far better.' 
Then closing her eyes again, her happy soul fled 
to the mansions of glory." 

The following lines were composed by Fran- 
ces Maria Garrison, on the death of Mary Dun- 
yan. 

Rest, humble saint ; no mortal woes 

Can reach the lovely sleeper here ; 
May angels watch her soft repose, 

Till she with Jesus shall appear. 



ELDER KENRY KENDALL, 85 

Rest here, fair saint : thy sleeping dust 

Shall rise on that eternal day ; 
Thy soul unites among the just, 

And all thy tears are wiped away. 

Surviving friends, forbear to weep : 

Her soul has took its happy flight ; 
Forever cease the briny tear — 

May you in heaven with her unite. 

Farewell, dear flesh ; rest here in peace, 

Till that illustrious morn shall rise : 
Surprising scenes ! triumphant rest ! — 

Then in your Saviour's image rise. 

'Tis past: the conflict's o'er; the suffering victim's fled; 
She suffers here no more ; my much loved friend is 
dead. 
But, O ! 'tis well with her; to yonder world above 
She winged her happy way, and met the God she 
loved. 

Arrayed in glorious robes, she dwells in endless day. 

Could I but hear her speak ; methinks that she would 
say, 
cWeep not my friends for me,but give your sorrows o'er, 

Nor thus, in ceaseless sighs, my early loss deplore. 

Oh, can you wish me back to that vain world again ; 

Back to that world of woe, to struggle with my pain ; 
My peace was made with God, my sins were all for- 
given. 
I closed my eyes on earth, and opened them in Hea- 
ven!' 

8 



86 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

In January 1813, I attended General Court 
about a month. I spent the Sabbaths among 
the destitute churches near Boston. And almost 
every evening I attended meetings in Boston and 
Charlestown ; so that I formed an extensive ac- 
quaintance with Christians in that vicinity. But 
when the Legislature adjourned, 1 returned home, 
net expecting to visit that place again, But in 
the spring of 1814, my mind was much impress- 
ed with the duty of returning to that region; and 
that the Lord had something for me to do there. 
1 could not indeed tell what, but my mind was 
so impressed that I seta day; giving myself 
two weeks to prepare for the journey. In about 
a week from that time I received the following 
letter : 

Boston, May 13, 1814. 
Dear Brother : — You will no doubt be surprised to 
receive a line from me upon such a subject; but being 
impelled by duty, I cannot forbear; and hoping that 
the Lord will direct your steps this way, I hasten to lay 
before you a few of the many thoughts which have giv- 
en rise to the request I wish to make, viz : — For you to 
come and preach a little while, about twenty miles from 
Boston. I feel unworthy, dear brother, of being made an 
instrument, in any way,of doing good to the souls of my 
fellow-men. It is the Lord alone who hath given me 
these desires ; and to his name be all the praise. About 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 87 

ten years ago, my Uncle died, and left me a small sum 
of money ; but which I could not have until my Aunt 
died. I was led, I trust, by the Spirit of the Lord, 
cheerfully to devote one hundred dollars of it to the 
Lord, whenever I should receive it. And, to the glory 
of God be it spoken, from that time to this, never for a 
moment have I wished to take it back. Being exposed 
to death, I committed it to writing, and left it with care 
lest it should be taken for some other use. About a 
year ago, my Aunt died, and I received what my Uncle 
left. But the Foreign Missionary Society being formed' 
I was at a loss to know which way to send my money. 
I was led to pray for direction, but could get no light 
upon the subject. I then opened my mind to a Chris- 
tian fiiend, who advised me to wait, and he believed the 
Lord would open a door for me, and said if the Lord had 
given me a heart, he would show me what to do with it; 
and make duty plain before me. I accordingly did, bu, 
still kept pleading that he would show me the way tha^ 
he would approve. Truly the Lord hath his way in the 
great deep. Last summer I went to make a visit to 
Canton, and providentially made a visit in Sharon, 
where I trust the Lord has begun a good work of 
grace ; and one night my mind so ran upon the people 
in that place, that I dreamed that there was the place 
where the Lord wanted my money. The impression 
was so great that I awoke and felt an uncommon spirit 
of prayer, and on my knees did I implore direction and 
felt in my own soul, an answer to what I had been so 
long waiting upon the Lord for. I could not sleep the 
rest of the night; but spent it in prayer for that town. 



88 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

In the morning, fearing I might not he right, I again 
begged of the Lord to confirm my duty by some text of 
Scripture. Having no Bible where I was, I could not 
then look into it. Some time after, I opened the Bible, 
not thinking of my request, and the first words that met 
my eyes were the 12th verse of the 58th chapter of 
Isaiah. The moment I read it I thought of my petition 
which I made before I left my chamber. I thought then 
I must hire some minister to come and preach to them, 
and the Lord led my mind to you, I believe you are 
the one whom the Lord will bless among them. I have 
therefore got brother Lincoln to write you, hoping the 
Lord will incline your heart to come, and then to bless 
your labors abundantly among them. 

I subscribe myself, 

Your unworthy Sister in Christ, 

Nancy Low. 

Upon reading this letter, the reader must think 
what my sensations were, for I cannot describe 
them, But on the day appointed, I started for 
Boston, where I called on Sister Low, who gave 
me further particulars concerning the place and 
people. I then went to Sharon, and gave notice 
of a meeting the next Sabbath, in a private 
chamber, for they had no other place in which 
to meet. The Sabbath arrived and I preached 
to about thirty people. When the meeting was 
closed, 1 told them I would preach some lectures 
in the course of the week, if they wished me to. 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 89 

But there was no such desire. I therefore made 
an appointment for the next Sabbath. The en- 
suing week I had a sore trial; the prospect 
looked dark. I found in Sharon, five or six 
professed Baptists, who belonged to a church, in 
Med field ; but they were crushed by opposition. 
Sharon had been inhabited nearly two centuries; 
but I could not learn that a reformation had ever 
been known in the town. They had a settled 
Unitarian minister, but no other order in the 
town. I attended an organization of a church 
in Canton ; but 1 labored under such trials, that 
I thought that myself and sister Low had both 
been deceived, — that I would fulfil my appoint- 
ment the next Sabbath, and then leave the place. 
This scene cost me many tears and cries, but 
when the Sabbath, came, a large assembly col- 
lected at a brother L. Hewins', and among them 
a company of the sons of Belial, with a bottle of 
black-strap. They handed it around, and drank 
in sermon-time. This was a trying scene. In 
the afternoon, it pleased the Lord to come into 
the assembly, and several of the young people 
were so pricked to the heart, that the groans 
were heard distinctly all over the room. At 
this my clouds and darkness disappeared. I 
felt as if I was where the Lord would have me 
8* 



90 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

to be. This scene gave new impulse to opposi- 
tion. The enemies of truth could not divine 
what kind of a being I was. At length they 
decided that I had stolen a horse down East, and 
had run away to get rid of punishment. But as 
the reformation went on, they seemed to gnaw 
their tongues with pain. Their minister said if 
he was one of their Select Men, Kendall should 
go out of town very quick. J was once passing 
his meeting house, and by the side of the street, 
there was a company of gentlemen playing nine- 
pins. They hailed me, and charged me with 
having stolen a horse, and told me I should be 
taken care of. I passed a little farther, and met 
their deacon, and his son. As I passed them, 
they raised a loud shout. Therefore, as the 
revival gradually increased, it produced great 
excitement both for and against me. 

The sixth Sabbath that I was with them, I 
baptized six persons ; one of whom was the 
Captain of a Militia Company. The next morn- 
ing I calculated to start homeward. That night, 
after we had all gone to bed except a female, a 
man knocked at the door, and inquired for Ken- 
dall, and handed her a note to give to me, and 
went hi^ way. She came in trembling, and 
gave it to me. I took it and read it. It was a 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 91 

sham warrant to warn me to train the next day. 
The man was"* sergeant under the captain whom 
I had baptized. I could but smile to think what 
fools Satan makes of his slaves ; and my smiles 
relieved my trembling friend, who supposed 
that some evil was determined against me. The 
next day I started for home, and as soon as it 
was known that I had gone, it was reported as a 
fact, that I was carried away by an officer, for 
stealing my horse ; and many other scandalous 
stories were circulated about me. 

" Oh," said they to my friends, " your minis- 
ter is shut up in a jail ! You will see him no 
more. ; ' But I went home, two hundred miles, 
and got back again in two weeks. I had not 
been back long before they threatened to ride 
me out of town on a rail ; and brother Hewins 
was afraid to let me go from one house to ano- 
ther, without a guard ; but I told him he need 
not fear, for I did not think the Lord had so 
great an honor to confer on me. The work 
went on gradually, until I had baptized a goodly 
number. 

Among others, was a daughter of Captain L. 
Mouse. She was of age, and had been brought 
up with a sister Clark of Foxboro'. Her father 
w r as a bitter opposer. When I started for home 



92 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

the second time, I went to brother Evans', in 
Canton, Sabbath evening, and tarried till the 
next morning, when I started for home again. 
About two hours after I left, Captain Morse 
came there in a great rage. He had come ten 
miles on purpose to horsewhip me, but I was out 
of his reach. 

The following autumn a Baptist church was 
constituted in Sharon, and I spent the most of 
the next winter in that region. One day, as 1 
was riding on horseback through Canton, I saw 
a man driving a team, whom I supposed to be 
Captain Morse. I concluded if I came within 
his reach, he would abuse me. I thought there 
was no armor prepared for the back, therefore 
— go on. As I passed him, he eyed me very 
sharply, and sang out, " Halloo. I did not know 
who you were." I replied, " Do you know me, 
sir?" " Yes, I know you now," replied he, 
" Where are you going ? Home ?" " No sir," 
said T, " I am not scared yet. I shall go when 
I get ready, sir." " Well," said he, " you had 
better clear out." I took care to keep out of 
the reach of his whip, but did not change my 
speed. He said he only wanted me by the 
shoulder a few minutes, he would fix me. By 
this time we were within thirty rods of a village, 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 93 

and as I had not been frightened, he thought of 
another plan, and began to halloo with all his 
might, " there goes the Baptist !" This alarmed 
the people as though it had been a cry of fire. 
Every door and window was filled with faces ; 
but when they learned the mystery, they with- 
drew with smiles. The man stopped at a store, 
and I saw him no more. The spring following, 
the Lord visited him with an awful death, the 
particulars of which may be seen in. the follow- 
ing letter from brother Crane of Canton. 

Canton, April 1, 1816. 
Dear Brother Kendall : — I received your letter 
dated March 22d, and now embrace the first leisure 
moment to give you an answer. 1 did not really think 
you serious when you told me not to write to you* 
However, I should not have written at present had it 
not been for your request. I have been trying ever 
since you left Canton, to wean myself from you ; and 
think as little of you as possible ) thinking that my 
anxious desires to have you for our preacher were sel- 
fish, and not for the good of the cause, or the glory of 
God ; but because I was pleased with your gift, and 
fed by your preaching. I therefore have tried to find 
some other preacher to settle with us. We have writ- 
ten to Elder Wra. Palmer, of Connecticut, to make us a 
visit; yet, we do not have any faith to believe that he 
will come. I think sometimes I can say — Lord send by 
whom thou wilt ; if it is the least of thy servants ; only 



94 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

let him be one whom the Lord will own and bless. 
We have had preaching three Sabbaths since you left 
here ; but do not know of any more at present. O, 
my dear brother, pray that the Lord would send more 
faithful laborers into the harvest. 

It is a very comfortable time with us at present. 
Many of our dear brethren and sisters are going from 
house to house, warning their friends and neighbors to 
flee from the wrath to come. Seven or eight have been 
hopefully converted ; and there seems to be something 
on the mind of almost every person we converse with. 
Our prospects are good; but what the end will be God 
only knows. What we are experiencing in Canton of 
the outpourings of the Spirit is but small in compari- 
son with what he is doing in towns around us. Such a 
wonderful time never was known since the country was 
first settled. In the towns of Easton, Mansfield, Shar- 
on, Foxboro, Attleboro, Pawtucket, and Providence, all 
joining together; — sinners are flodking to Christ like 
clouds and like doves to their windows. Dear brother, will 
you starve at Litchfield, when there is bread enough and 
to spare within the short distance of two hundred miles! 
About two weeks since, I was at Elder Smith's in 
Bridgewater, and stayed over night; and such a refor- 
mation I never before witnessed Meetings were held 
from morning till late at night Business seemed to be 
entirely at an end. There I heard the groans of the 
wounded and the songs of the redeemed of the Lord. 
Many were Crying — what shall we do to be saved. 
Othres were rejoicing, and telling what God had done 
for their souls. O my brother ! you may depend this 
did warm my old cold heart a little. In Providence, one 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 95 

minister has been converted who belonged to the Epis- 
copalian Church. Since his conversion, he preached 
from this text — " I determined not to know any thing 
among you save Jesus Christ and him crucified." He 
told his people that there had not been a gospel sermon 
preached in his meeting house for upwards of thirty 
years. His (jhuroh and people were so enraged against 
him that they tried to turn him away. But his preach- 
ing since his. conversion has been blessed to the conver- 
sion of many. In Sharon the Lord is working in judg- 
ment as well as mercy. The Lung Fever prevails, and 
proves very mortal. Many people do not live more 
than three days after they are taken. Three and four 
have died out of some families. Six or seven lay dead 
at one time. Mr. Joseph Randall and his son were both 
buried in one day, from the same house. Mr. Levi 
Morse, his wife and two sons have died; and one other 
son is very sick. One of his sons that died was Capt. 
Morse who persecuted you so much. He lived only 
three days after he was taken sick. In his sickness he 
sent for Dea. Leavitt Hewms to watch with him e 
When he got there, Capt. Morse said to the Deacon " I 
did not send for you to watch with me only ; but I 
want you to pray for my poor soul." Dea. Hewins' 
wife is very sick ; but there is hope of her recovery,, 
David Hewins is dead. Capt. Richards has lost a child. 
Sister David Capen is dead. She is the only one that 
has died out of the church. 

Since the sickness prevailed, many of the Baptist 
brethren have often been called upon to visit and pray 
with the sick and the dying. In some instances Bro. 
Phillip and Bro. Elijah Hewins have been called upon 



96 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

to pray at funerals in Mr. Whitaker's society. Many 
poor souls when sick and dying beg of the Baptists not 
to forsake their houses ; though perhaps a few months 
since they were persecuting them. There have been 
from forty to sixty under the doctor's hand at a time. 
But although God is working in judgment in Sharon; 
we rejoice that his loving kindness is marllfest towards 
many who fcave lately believed in Jesus. Many are 
inquiring in every part of the town. On'Moose Hill, 
there is good attention. I believe there is a Methodist 
minister preaching among them. Mr. "Whitaker's so- 
ciety have a young man preaching with them who we be- 
lieve is a pious young man. I have just received a let- 
ter from Juliett Howard's brother, that informs me that 
Juliett has gone home to glory. She died March 23d. 
Her mind was clear and serene ; — her hope was firm in 
Christ; — her eye bright and lively till she died ; rejoic- 
ing that the Lord's time had come. Dr. Baldwin in- 
formed me yesterday that Elder Livermore had died of 
the prevailing disease. In Attleboro,' upwards of a 
hundred have died since this year commenced. April 
8,— Sally Gill departed this life last night. We trust 
she has made a happy exchange. 

Your's &c. 

Friend Crane. 

After this church was organized in Sharon, 
they obtained stated preaching. The year fol- 
lowing, I spent considerable time with them : 
and enjoyed many precious seasons also in 
Itandoph and Foxboro. The town of Foxboro 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 97 

had settled a minister, supposing him to be a 
Unitarian, entirely ignorant of evangelical truth. 
A young lady of his Parish, having attended one 
of my lectures in the fall of 1814, became 
deeply impressed and continued so till the next 
spring ; when the Lord set her soul at liberty 
The next Sabbath, after her minister had closed 
his sermon, she arose and requested liberty to 
speak. He was so surprised that he remained 
silent. She begun, and told the whole congre- 
gation what the Lord had done for her soul. 
Her testimony was so blest that convictions were 
carried home into every part of the town ; and 
in a short time a hundred souls had obtained a 
hope in Christ. In a few months, a Ba'ptist 
church was organized in that town. 

The Unitarian minister soon left town. I vis- 
ited Foxboro in 1816, where the Baptists were 
blessed with the labors of Dr. Lovell. One of 
their young converts had become a preacher. 
After I had spent some time in Canton, the 
church became yery anxious for me to settle 
with them, but 1 could not see my way clear so 
to do, as may be seen by Bro. Crane's letter, 
dated Sept. 24, 1817. 

Beloved Brother: — I often take a real satisfac- 
tion in writing to my friends} especially to one who 



98 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

takes so deep an interest in the welfare of the little 
branch of Zion in Canton, as you have ever expressed 
towards us. I trust if we never behold your face again 
in the flesh, we shall rejoice in view of t&e blessings 
we have received from your faithful instructions in 
times past. I once thought. I could look forward to a 
time when the little church in Canton would have a 
house of worship, and Elder Kendall would be our 
preacher. But O, my brother, man may appoint, but 
the Lord disappoints. As a church, we did, and said, 
every thing in our power to have Bro. Evans remain 
with us : but he is gone to the Ohio. Bro. Warren 
Bird, with whom you are some acquainted, has been 
preaching with us ; much to our satisfaction. We ex- 
pect him to preach with us three months. Dea. Hough- 
ton meets with the church every Lord's day, preaching 
or no preaching; and is very much stirred up in his 
mind. Some of our dear sisters are much engaged, but 
the most of us are very low. Bro. Fuller and wife are 
out of the church. Your acquaintance with them will 
satisfy you respecting the cause. The church in Shar- 
on is yet in a prosperous state. The Foxboro church 
is in a comfortable condition except that some of the 
members are a little troubled with Quaker principles. 

1 have had the privilege of attending both the War- 
ren and Boston Associations. It was very refreshing 
Dr. Messer's Sermon excepted. I had the pleasure of 
seeing Mr. Judson ; and of hearing him relate his exer- 
cises of mind respecting his change of sentiments. 

Nov. 8th. — You will no doubt wonder at the close of 
this epistle being dated so long after the first part was 
written ; but 1 thought I would not close till I could 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 99 

write more spiritually. But instead of growing more 
spiritual, I think I am more carnal. And when I look 
at my life and conversation, and the state of my mind, 
it does appear that I do not believe that there is a hell 
for sinners. And a have reason*to fear that the love oi 
God is not in my heart. 

Brother John Hunt's father and sister Mary have ex- 
perienced religion, and Mary has joined the church. 
Bro. Bird is still preaching with us, and is very much 
engaged. I think he is a very promising man. But he 
cannot as yet feed the sheep. For you well know that 
a minister cannot lead the church any farther than he 
has travelled himself. Our brethren, Coleman and 
Wheelock, will sail next week for India. I think from 
my acquaintance with them, that they are called of God 
to that part of His vineyard. But I want to ask you 
one question. Is not our own country too much neg- 
lected ? Would it not be more for the honor of God to 
take a part of the money that is raised for the support 
of the gospel ; and expend it in our own country ? How 
many precious souls are there in America that never 
heard a gospel sermon. And how many Baptist 
churches there are at this day who are destitute of 
preachers ; and yet a great number of our dear minis- 
ters cannot get a support. Would it not be better to 
take a part of our money and supply those destitute 
churches ; and support our dear ministers who are un- 
der the necessity of laboring for the support of their 
families ? It appears to me that the honor of God re- 
quires that we should be more engaged for the welfare 
of Zion in our own country; and especially in the Bap- 
tist denomination. 



100 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

Judith Page is now living in Foxboro, a faithful fol- 
lower of Christ, and firmly established in the doctrine 
of the gospel. Some times 1 think if I am a Christian, 
I never shall enjoy religion much more in this life; I 
am so buried up in the earth. At other times I think if 
I could hear Elder Kendall preach, he would dig me up 
again. I hope, however, if I cannot hear you preach I 
shall have your prayers. 

Nov. 10th. — This afternoon I have received news of 
the death of my oldest brother. But O ! how little im- 
pression does this solemn news make upon my hard 
heart. But whether I realize it or not, it is saying unto 
me ; — "be ye also ready." 

Yours in the hope of the gospel. 

Friend Crane 
To Elder Henry Kendall. 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 101 



CHAPTER VI. 



REMOVAL TO TOPSHAM DEATH OF CHILDREN 

DISMISSION FROM THE TOPSHAM CHURCH 

REVIVAL IN TOPSHAM VISIT TO NOVA- 
SCOTIA LABORS IN CAMDEN 

BOWDOINHAM VASSAL- 

EORO, AND OTHER 
PLACES. 

Soon after,- 1 returned to the State of Maine, 
and found the church in Litchfield where I liv- 
ed, still destitute of stated preaching. I had 
often urged upon them the importance of obtain- 
ing and settling another minister ; but to no pur- 
pose. I had labored for them through the 
scenes of their poverty, half of the time for 
fourteen years. They now had become able to 
support a minister. And the blessed Lord had 
prospered me so that I could not be an object of 
charity. I therefore felt forbidden to stand in 
their way. So I continued to travel, and preach 



9 



* 



102 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

among the destitute ; witnessing more or less of 
the works of the Holy Spirit for two years. 

Having sold my farm, I moved to Topsham, 
March 18th. 1818, independent of any call from 
the church or society in that place. I had left a 
church in Litchfield which was very dear to me, 
in a very good state as to union and strength. 
They remained without a settled minister for 
six years. I bought a small farm and conclud- 
ed to wait on the Lord for further orders. I 
found the church in a divided state ; holding 
meetings in two places on the Sabbath. In a 
few weeks, they gave rne a call to become their 
pastor; to which I assented. The first year we 
were blessed with some revival in which one of 
my children was a partaker, and united with the 
church. February 11th, 1820, death came into 
my family and took my third son. This was a 
bitter stroke for me ; but it pleased the Lord to 
bless it in a very extraordinary manner. For 
four weeks there was not a cloud passed be- 
tween me and the perfections of God. 

In about three months after this, (in my sleep) 
I was warned of the death of my oldest daugh- 
ter, who then lived about 40 miles from home 
with her aunt. She was about 20 years of age. 
Soon after this, I went to see her and found her 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 103 

enjoying good health, I told her that I had 
been warned of her death, and that she would 
surely die in youth ; and endeavored to urge 
upon her the necessity of being prepared to 
meet it. But it had no abiding effect. The 
first of August I was again warned of her death 
as before. The next day one of her cousins 
came to my house and told us that she was well 
when he left her. I told him to tell her I had 
had another warning of her death. In about a 
month the news came that she was sick and 
bleeding at the lungs. I went immediately to 
see her and found her confined to her room ; 
but she had no sense of her situation. After 
she recovered a little, I carried her home. She 
felt still flattered that she should get well. Thus 
she continued about a year, and then began to 
to fail. By this time , all the feelings of a father's 
heart were brought into action to see my lovely 
child, in the bloom of life, sinking into eternity 
unprepared. But in March following, it pleased 
the Lord to discover to her her need of a Saviour, 
and from this time her distress of mind was 
more than that of her body. She continued in 
this state of mind till the first of May, when the 
Lord appeared and set her soul at liberty. From 
that time to her death which was the first of 



104 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

August, she enjoyed generally a comfortable 
hope in Christ. She bore her sufferings with 
great patience, and met death with composure. 
When dying, she said, " Christ is more precious 
than every thing else." 

While I was closing her eyes, the following 
text came to mind, " He hath done all things 
well." When she was buried, t preached her 
funeral sermon from the same words. But the 
hand of bereavement was not yet stayed. About 
four months after her death, the Lord laid his 
hand upon my youngest son, who was the most 
promising child of his age, that we ever had. 
When I saw that he was going the way of all 
the living, it brought me under a sore trial, for, 
notwithstanding the Lord had dealt so bounti- 
fully with me in the death of my other children, 
now I found my parental affections fast hold of 
the life of my dear son, in such a manner that I 
awfully feared that I should be left under the 
power of unreconciliation. 

The day before he died, my distress was so 
great that I went to the woods, and there plead- 
ed with the Lord not to leave me to be unrecon- 
ciled to his most blessed will ; for I dreaded that 
more than the death of all my children. The 
blessed Lord heard my supplications, and so 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 105 

helped me that when my child died, December 
6, 1821, his precious grace sweetened the bitter 
cup, so that I could again say, " He hath done 
all things well."' Thus I followed the third 
dear child to the grave, with an unutterable 
sweetness in my soul, and never, for a moment, 
have I wished them back again. 

In the year 1818, my wife fell into a state of 
despair. For five years she was laid aside from 
her care and usefulness in my family ; but dur- 
ing this time she remained most strongly and 
tenderly attached to me. At the end of that 
time, however, she contracted a most bitter ha- 
tred against me, which continued twenty years. 
Thus the reader will perceive that twenty-five 
years of my life have been a scene of distress, 
which none but God and myself know. 

The second year of my labors in Topsham, 
the church was called to pass through trying 
scenes. The habit of intemperance had become 
so common in the church, that we were com- 
pelled to take the rod of discipline, and use it, 
till one half of the male members, and several 
females were excluded. The church was then 
reduced to eight members, and only two of them 
able to do any more than to support their fami- 
lies. We had no place to worship in, but an 



106 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

uncomfortable school house ; and after toiling 
in this way for some time, I told the church that 
one of two things must be done, either I must 
leave them, or we must make one desperate 
effort to build us a small house of our own. The 
former, the church could not bear, and the lat- 
ter looked impossible. After laboring three 
months, we organized ourselves into a body 
politic, and got oar subscription papers for build- 
ing the house. After making every effort, I 
obtained hardly enough for the outside. We 
then had a meeting, and the expense looked so 
great that some were for giving it up ; but I told 
them if they would follow my example, we would 
go a-head. Notwithstanding I was poor, and my 
large family was depending upon my labor for 
support, I would double my subscription. The 
most of them doubled theirs. They then ap- 
pointed myself and Deacon Perkins a building 
committee, to procure a spot, and build the 
house. As soon as our object was known in the 
village, a double price was put upon every va- 
cant spot of land. At length we obtained land 
enough down in a valley by the side of a brook. 
In the month of March, Deacon Perkins, my- 
self and boy went into my woods, and com- 
menced the work. In April we raised it, and in 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 107 

November, it was finished with thirty pews. 
We were mocked by the proud, and called "the 
valley folks." About this time, one night, when 
in deep sleep, I fancied myself down by our 
vestry (for so we called it,) and saw people 
passing and repassing. The following lines 
came into my mind. I repeated them and it 
awoke me. 

" Here in this valley, saith the Lord, 

Will I divide my holy word : 
Here shall my saints in me rejoice, 

And sinners tremble at my word." 

At our next meeting, I told it to my brethren 
and assured them that it was from the Lord, and 
we should see it accomplished. In the year 
1825, the Lord was pleased to bless us with 
another revival of religion, in which two more 
of my children were brought to believe in Christ, 
and I had the pleasure of leading them into the 
church. 

After I had labored with the church in Tops- 
ham nearly ten years, being almost worn out 
with troubles and hard labor at home, and hav- 
ing received but a trifle, I took my dismission 
from the pastoral care of the church. I then 
devoted myself to missionary labors. About the 
close of the year 1835, I returned home from a 



108 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

missionary tour. The church had been for 
some time in a low, tried state. They concluded 
to hold a series of meetings, but we seemed to 
have but little faith that they would be blessed. 
The first day, I was not able to attend. After 
that I attended. Several other ministers were 
there also. I did not like their management ; 
therefore I went home that night with such a 
trial that I had but little rest. Before morning, 
however, the blessed Lord delivered me from it, 
and set my soul in a large place. In the morn- 
ing I hastened to the meeting, and unbosomed 
my whole soul. I told them that if they were 
going to put human agenc}^ before the Holy 
Spirit, they must work without me. And that 
our only hope was in the power of the Holy 
Spirit, which would come in answer to the prayer 
of faith. 

From this time, there appeared to be an evi- 
dent change in the state of feeluig in the meeting. 
The Spirit of the Lord came down, and an unu- 
sual spirit of prayer pervaded the church, and 
sinners were pricked in the heart. The next 
day the assembly was much larger, and the 
spirit of prayer and of conviction increased so 
that we became convinced that our vestry would 
no longer hold the people, and that we must go 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 109 

to the Congregational house. Their minister, 
Mr. Hawes, and his people had. been invited to 
unite with us ; and by this time he had become 
absorbed in the work. When we decided to go 
to their house, it was thought by some that all 
the anxious should stay at the vestry, while the 
rest went to the meeting house. I objected to 
that ; I told them we would keep all together, 
and that there should be perfect liberty given in 
all the meetings, to speak or pray, or to request 
prayer, as the Spirit might dictate. My motion 
prevailed, and was carried with success through 
all the meetings. 

The Lord met with us again the next morn- 
ing. The people assembled together as though 
the day of Judgment was near. We had prayer 
meetings early in the mornings, and notwith- 
standing the severity of the weather. I have seen 
nearly two hundred together in these meetings. 
We had at this time, a man teaching school in 
the village, who was an Infidel. As the young 
people left the school to attend meeting, he be- 
came very angry. One evening, he went into 
the gallery in order that he might see what was 
going on, but it pleased the Lord to give him a 
word that he could not shake off. The next day 

he dismissed his school, and came to meeting, 
10 



110 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

and took a back seat. I followed him, and put- 
ting my hand on his shoulder, asked him what 
the matter was. He answered, " I feel like a 
criminal going to the place of execution." I 
left him. The next morning he came to meet- 
ing again, in great distress, and seated that he 
owed the public a debt that he was bound to 
pay. He then went on and gave an account of 
the heaven-daring course he had pursued in 
order to save his conscience. He said he thought 
Christians could not pray for him, for the day of 
grace was past. He then fell on his knees, and 
like a criminal, begged for mercy. This gave 
a new impulse to the meeting. In a short time 
he was set at liberty, and commenced his school 
by prayer. The enmity of his former associates 
was so aroused that they attempted to turn him 
out of school, but failed. Thus the work of the 
Lord went on. 

Two more of my children were brought to 
rejoice in the Lord, in this work of grace. Our 
meeting continued sixteen days, and as the fruit 
of the revival, seventy souls were added to the 
church. 

While the revival was in progress, I put up 
one night at brother S. Perkins' ; and late in the 
evening, a messenger came for me to go to Mr. 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. Ill 

Scribner's. When I went into the house, I found 
Mr. S. leaning over a chair, trembling in every 
limb. His wife, a hired girl, and two young 
men were sobbing like children. Mr. Scribner 
said, — " If you can pray, do pray for us." I 
knelt down and prayed. As soon as I closed, 
he began to rejoice. In a few minutes, the two 
men were set at liberty. The next morning 
they went to meeting, and told what the Lord 
had done for their souls. Many other cases 
might be mentioned, but I forbear. 

In October 1850, I was called to visit the First 
church in Vassalboro', which had long been 
almost invisible. It pleased the Lord to pour 
out his Spirit and revive his work. In that revi- 
val about fifty were added to the church. I 
baptized forty-six of them. After spending 
nearly a year with them, 1 took a mission among 
the churches in the Waldo Association. There 
I found the churches badly afflicted with divisions 
and internal trials. But the Lord helped us, and 
a general union was restored. In 1834, I was a 
messenger to the Nova Scotia and New Bruns- 
wick Associations. I went to Lubec, crossed 
the Bay of Fundy to Windsor, and went up to 
Amherst by land. The Nova Scotia Association 
was held at Amherst, where I formed a most 



112 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

endearing acquaintance with the ministers and 
brethren, from whom it was hard to part, I 
then went round the Etay of Fundy, by land, 
down to the city of St. John, and attended the 
New Brunswick Association. There I enjoyed 
a precious season. I was much delighted in 
finding the brethren in those Provinces so apos- 
tolic ii-i their faith and practice, Reading ser- 
mons was not countenanced among them. 

From St. John, I returned to Eastport. From 
thence I returned home, having been gone seven 
v/eeks, and travelled about one thousand miles. 
In the year 1846, I went to Camden on a mis- 
sioned found a revival of religion in the Congre- 
gational Society. The Baptist church was very 
much scattered. They had had preaching but one 
Sabbath for six months previous to that time. I 
found them very much discouraged ; but we 
soon had several added by baptism. This gave 
them new courage ; still they had no place of 
worship that they could control. They had 
given ten dollars per year for the use of a school 
house, and had often been turned out of it by 
others. After becoming acquainted with their 
situation, I told them they must make a power- 
ful effort to build them a meeting house, or they 
would lose their visibility. The prospect was 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 113 

dark. They were few in number, and in low 
circumstances. After much labor, I commenced 
a subscription, and continued it till I obtained 
pledges for two thousand and one hundred dol- 
lars. I then went to Boston and all the towns 
in that vicinity, and collected about three hun- 
dred dollars. I then returned, and we com- 
menced making preparations for building the 
house, which was finished in December, 1837. 
The whole cost of the house and land, was about 
four thousand dollars. 

After the house was dedicated, I labored with 
them several weeks, and the people were so 
attached to me that I knew not how to leave 
them, and not hurt them ; yet I was impressed 
that the Lord had something for me to do in 
another place. At this time brother Freeman 
came there, and I engaged him to tarry two 
Sabbaths, while I went home to my family. 
The church, after hearing him a few times, gave 
him a call. This event relieved me from any 
further labor in that place. 

Immediately after this, I was called to labor 
with the little church in Bowdoinham. There 
we enjoyed a good revival, and ten were added 
to the church. After laboring with them eight 
months, I left them, and visited other feeble 
churches. 10* 



114 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

In 1839, I visited Vassalboro', and found the 
two churches in a low, scattered, and almost 
discouraged state. The first church had an old 
meeting house, not worth repairing. Their 
members were reduced by deaths, removals and 
dismissions till they had become few and weak. 
The second church had no meeting house, and 
were few in number. My first labor was to 
convince them that the only way to save the 
Baptist cause was for both churches to unite in 
one, and build a new meeting house. After 
some weeks labor I accomplished my object. 
We then got up a subscription for a house, and 
obtained almost enough to build it. The next 
season it was finished, and on the day of sale, 
we sold almost enough to pay the expense of 
building. I then secured the labors of brother 
Ellis for them and left them. 

In 1840, I spent the most of my time in 
Harpswell, East Brunswick, and Portland, in 
reformations. In Portland the work was very 
great. At the close of 1840, 1 took an agency 
for the American and Foreign Bible Society. 1 
spent several weeks, and collected $ "241 ; but 
by reason of ill-health, I was obliged to relin- 
quish public labor. My head and nerves being 
affected by a spinal complaint, and my domestic 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 115 

trials continuing, I had but little enjoyment for 
four months, 



116 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



CHAPTER VII, 



EXTRACTS FROM DIARY NOTICES OF THE 

DBATH OF A SON MISSIONARY 

LABORS. 

October, 1841. — For nearly three months 
past, I have tried to preach almost every Sab- 
bath, but under such a load of infirmities, that 
I often think every sermon must be my last. I 
now close the fortieth year of my ministerial 
labor, and have reason to weep over them all. 
Although I have seen much of the salvation of 
God, and have labored to the utmost of my 
strength, yet it seems as though 1 have done 
but little for the cause of Christ. I have never 
been what I ought to have been, neither am I 
what I thought I should be ; and now it is too 
late for me to redeem what is past. 

" The land of silence and of death, 

Attends my next remove ; 
Oh ! may these poor remains of breath 

Teach the wide world thy love." 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 117 

The last two years of my life have been filled 
up with peculiar trials and perplexities, both 
spiritual and temporal, and the clouds are not 
yet blown over. The spread of .Robert Hall's 
sentiments on Communion through the churches, 
through the influence of one of our modern 
Evangelists, has been a sore triaL to me. Al- 
though no church has been revolutionized by it, 
yet it has affected them and destroyed their 
sweet harmony and union. And the spirit of 
amalgamation has become so prevalent, both in 
preaching and hearing, that it threatens that the 
church will be lost in the world, and truth and 
error be confounded. These things, with many 
others, that relate to the cause of Christ, are a 
source of constant labor and grief to my mind ; 
for it is always well with me when truth prevails 
and Zion prospers. 

November 28, 1841. — I must now go back to 
the first of September last, at which time my 
oldest son, a hired girl, and little grand-son 
were all taken sick with the Typhus Fever. 
After they began to recover, my daughter and 
two of her children and another son, were also 
taken sick with the same fever. At this time a 
scene opened to me that was beyond description. 



118 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

Our neighbors forsook us for fear of taking the 
fever, and there was scarcely a well one in the 
family to take care of the sick. My daughter 
came so near the grave that twice we supposed 
her to be dying ; but God, in great mercy, 
spared her. My dear son, Henry, about 25 
years old, after being confined to his room one 
week, was suddenly called from time to eternity. 
This, to me, was a bitter stroke. 

Although I have often said witli Job, " Pity 
me, O ye, my friends, for the hand of the Lord 
hath touched me," I feel still to say : " The 
Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, and 
blessed be the name, of the Lord." In this 
affliction the words of the blessed Saviour have 
often helped me — " The cup that my Father 
giveth me, shall I not drink it ?" 

December 26. — Since the above date, my 
wife and grand-daughter have had the fever, but 
are recovering. Thus, for four months and a 
half, my house has been like a hospital. But I 
know that all these things, and all that await me 
are laid up in God's treasures, and are meted 
out in infinite wisdom. I still hope that 

Behind a frowning Providence, 
He hides a smiling face. 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 119 

I have no recollection of preaching but three 
Sabbaths for three months past, and I feel as if 
my toils on earth are nearly done. Some times 
I can say with Watts, — 

Moments of sin and months of woe, 
You cannot fly too fast. 

At other times, the awful fear of self-deception 
makes me tremble. Then the precious promise, 
" I will never leave thee, nor forsake ^66,''' re- 
vives my fainting hope. 

February 13, 1842.— The cloud of dark provi- 
dences still surrounds me. This is the Sabbath ? 
and 1 am confined at home by sickness. How 
tedious the day, when I have been so long ac- 
customed to meeting with the assemblies of His 
saints. Nor is this the worst of my case. In 
former years, when in troubles, the Lord dealt 
bountifully with me. But now he hides his 
smiling face. Nor do I wonder at this, for I 
consider it an infinite stoop of boundless grace, 
that God should ever look in love on such a 
wretch as I. 

" How tedious and tasteless the hours, 
When Jesus no longer I see : 
Sweet prospects, sweet birds and sweet flowers, 
Have all lost their sweetness to me." 



120 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

Those six months that I was confined at home 
by sickness and death, together with my own 
infirmities, seem like a distressing dream. Now 
the Lord is reviving his work in many places,and 
■I am denied any share in it. This is trying to 
me. Sometimes I have felt as if my soul was 
like a wijderness, 

" Where beasts of midnight howl, 
There the sad raven finds her nest, 
And there the screaming owl." 

Oh ! for patience to bear the cross, and finish 
my course with faith. 

I contemplate the happy state 

Of my dear children — gone j 
And then my weary soul's in haste 

To join their heavenly song. 

But O ! the thought — should I come short, 

And find myself left out ! 
Lord, search my heart, and try my ways, 

Nor leave me thus to doubt. 

I would believe that Christ is mine ; 

But fear to call him so ; 
Lest when he calls me to his bar, 

He'll frown, and bid me go. 






ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 121 

DEATH OF HENRY OREN KENDALL, OF TOPSHAM. 

" Seldom have I taken occasion to record the 
death of a young gentlemen with more emotion, 
or with greater sense of my inability to do justice 
to the subject, than on this occasion. The ap- 
.proach of death is fraught with solemnity on any 
occasion ; but never is his approach more mys- 
terious, or the providence by which he is com- 
missioned to come, more inscrutable, than when 
the useful — the worthy — the good — in the flow 7 er 
of life, are the victims of his grasp. Such is the 
case with the above-named gentleman. He died 
in Topsham, at the residence of his father, Elder 
H. Kendall, Oct. 28, 1841, aged 24 years, 10 
months and 10 days. 

Seldom have I been acquainted with a young 
man of more friends, or more endearing qualities 
than Mr. Kendall. He possessed good, natural 
abilities, a fine disposition, a mind intelligent, a 
demeanor courteous and gentlemanly, a heart 
warm, open and generous. Added to all his 
other external accomplishments, Mr. K. was 
eminently a Christian. He enjoyed favorable 
opportunities for religious privileges from early 
life ; but it was not till about five years since, 
that he was awakened to a sense of his moral 
11 



122 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

condition, and brought to submit himself to Christ 
as one of his followers. His views of his depra- 
vity were very clear, and deep. For several 
weeks he was in a most deeply anxious state ; 
often inquiring what he should do to be saved. 
It was now apparent to all, that a gracious work 
had commenced in his heart. He soon joyfully 
embraced the gospel method of salvation, by 
throwing himself at the foot of the Cross, renounc- 
ing his own merit, and as he has since expressed 
it, believed what his Lord had done, and received 
a righteousness which was full and free. He 
was then an apprentice in Vassalboro', where the 
writer of this was then for a time laboring. There 
he connected himself with the Baptist church. 
His examination for admission to the church was 
interesting. He came forward with much appa- 
rent diffidence, but with humble trust in Christ, 
and in an unaffected mariner related his Chris- 
tian experience, and was welcomed to the ordi- 
nances of the church. The next Sabbath, he 
and several others were buried with Christ by 
baptism, and went on their way rejoicing. It 
was a lovely day, about the first of September, 
1836. The beautiful sheet of water, (the twelve 
mile pond) never exhibited a finer surface than 
on that occasion. It resembled Lake Enon, 






ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 123 

near Salem, where John baptized " because there 
was much water there. 1 ' Bro. K. has frequent- 
ly referred to that day as the happiest of his 
life. In 1840, at the time of the distinguished 
religious interest in Topsham, he removed his 
connection to that place, where he was most 
cordially received to the privileges of the church. 
This new connection formed an interesting period 
in his religious history. He became deeply im- 
pressed with the shortness of time, and the im- 
portance of fulfilling the great purpose of human 
existence. His exhortations were faithful ; his 
prayers fervent ; his liberality generous ; his 
walk pious and constant. His views of the 
benevolent institutions of the day were compre- 
hensive and just. He was wholly free from that 
fault-finding spirit which so much abounds in 
the community. He was a friend to Education, 
to Missions, and an unfaltering friend to the 
great Anti-Slavery movements, and freely 
brought to their aid his prayers, his counsels, 
and his money, according to his ability. Mr. 
Kendall was a mechanic, always diligent in his 
business, and honest and upright in his dealings. 
None could say ought against him as a citizen, 
a neighbor, or a Christian. In his religious 
walk he was consistent, and a spirit of piety ran 



124 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

through the general tenor of his conversation. 
He was therefore beloved by the church of which 
he was a member. 

The sickness which terminated his life thus 
early, was short and severe ; but death in his 
approach (we hope) found him ready. Had his 
life been continued, he would, no doubt, have 
exhibited a career of usefulness, honorary to his 
family, to the church and to the world. But 
death had marked him for his victim, and, in- 
scrutable as the providence appears, he was 
forced to yield to the King of terrors. A vener- 
able father and a weeping mother bend over 
him, together with a train of brothers and sisters 
and mourning relatives. May they find an 
alleviation to their sorrows, in the sweet reflec- 
tion that their loss is his unspeakable gain." 

E. R. Warren. 

Augusta, Dec. 10, 1853. 



kN ACROSTIC ON THE DEATH OF HENRY OREN KEN- 
DALL. 

H eaven had decreed my early fate. 

E arth is my home no more ; 

N ought could the hand of cruel death 

Restrain : my days are o'er. 

Y oung people all, to 3-ou I speak : 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 125 

O h ! hear my warning word : 

R emember death your life doth seek ; 

E scape unto the Lord. 

N o ties on earth can hold you here; 

K now that your bounds are set; 

E arth's opening grave will be your share; 

N or should you this forget. 

D eath called me in the bloom of life, 

A nd this may be your fate. 

L ay up in heaven, your treasures now, 

Lest it should be too late. 



ACROSTIC 2d. 

Henry, my son, has bid adieu to time : 

E re twenty-five years had run their hasty rounds ; 

N ot to sorrow in this world of grief — 

R eigns with his Saviour, never more to weep : 

Y oung as he was, when twenty years of age, 

O n things divine his inmost soul engaged. 
R eligion was the object of his choice ; 
E arth lost its charms ; in Christ he did rejoice ; 
N ow in the regions of the blest above, 

Knows as he's known, and shouts redeeming love. 

E ternal wonders of redeeming grace, 

N ow shine with glory in the Saviour's face 

D ear Father, Mother, Brother, Sister dear, 

A 11 now is well ; don't drop for me a tear : 

L et all your sorrows in this world of grief, 

Lead you to Christ, that you may find relief. 

n* 



126 AUTOBIOGRAPHY ' OF 

H eaven will reward your toils of faith and love ; 
E ternal glories are laid up above ; 
N o more let sorrow break your aching heart; 
Redeeming grace will save you from the smart. 
Y ou all remember when on earth I dwelt, 

O ft did I weep with trouble and with guilt : 
R edeeming grace has turned my night to day ; 
Eternal love to be my song for aye, 
No more to combat with the strength of sin ; — 

K een were its pains ; I felt its deadly sting. 
E arly the Lord in mercy called me home — 
N o more my youthful feet from him to roam. 
D ear friends, adieu, adieu to earth and sin; 
A 11 now is well ; the Saviour took me in. 
L oud is the song, and will forever be — 
L ife, grace, and glory, on the highest key. 



How hateful in the sight of God 

Must sin forever be ; 
Its wages is most certain death, 

And from it none are free. 

A parent's heart may bleed with grief; 

But death no pity hath ; 
While blooming youth are called by him, 

To bid adieu to earth. 

We see our children groan and die- 
Called in the bloom of youth ; 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 127 

With bleeding hearts, and weeping eyes, 
We taste the sting of death. 

How bitter is the dreadful cup, 

That old and young must drink ; 
For God hath said return to dust, 

And all must pass that brink. 

But O ! how glorious is that grace, 

That brought a Saviour down 
To drink the bitter cup of wrath, 

That we might wear a crown. 

He died in pain, sweetened the grave, 

He burst the bars of death ; 
He triumphed o'er its awful power, 

To free our souls from wrath. 

Cease, than, my tears for children gone, 

Who fell asleep in Christ ; 
They're freed from sin's deluding snares, 

And entered into Life. 

Dear Saviour, let thy spirit come, 

To sweeten all my grief, 
Till thou shalt call me to thy self, 

And grant me full relief. 



Lord, thou hast made me feel thy rod, 
Till I am drowned in tears j 

I know thy judgments, Lord, are right, 
Though they may seem severe. 



128 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

Thy holy law condemns my soul 
For sin, to death and hell ; 

I own thy righteous dealings just, 
In all that me befall. 

But shouldst thou bring me to thy bar, 
And charge my sins to me, 

My guilty soul must sink to hell, 
Where hope can never be. 

But oh ! may not a wretch like me, 
Still hope through Jesus' blood, 

That all I suffer here on earth, 
Shall work my lasting good. 

Forsake me not, now I am old, 

And heart and flesh doth fail ; 
Lord hold me up, and make me bold, 

And be my lasting strength. 
i 

Thou didst, in seasons past and gone, 

Sweeten my cup of grief; 
I felt thy smiles within my soul, 

Which gave me rest and peace. 

But now thy face from me is hid, 
And I in darkness mourn, 

And 1 am tempted to despair: — 
When will my Lord return ? 

Must I be still afflicted more, 
Till I am crushed with grief? 

How long, my God, how long before 
Thou wilt afford relief! 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. J 29 

July 3, 1842.— In the spring of 1842, not- 
withstanding my poor state of health, I felt a 
desire to visit and explore the Aroostook coun- 
try. As yet the moral condition of that region 
was but little known. The first of June, I at- 
tended our Convention, and received an appoint- 
ment for twelve weeks, at two dollars and fifty 
cents per week. I had now to leave a revival of 
religion in the church at Bowdoin, where I had 
been laboring, and prepare for my tour in the 
wilderness. I started on my mission in the 
County of Aroostook, June 29, 1842. And 
notwithstanding my health was poor, I travelled 
one hundred and twenty miles, the first three 
days, and arrived at brother Sanders' in Passa- 
dumkeag, and tarried over the Sabbath — preach- 
ed four sermons, and delivered a temperance 
lecture. 1 am now one hundred and twenty 
miles from home on a missionary tour to Houl- 
ton, and to-day I am 68 years old, and in the 
41st year of my ministry. Oh ! how little have 
I done for him who laid down his life to redeem 
my soul. Although I have almost worn out my 
life in preaching the gospel, and trying to ad- 
vance the cause of Christ, yet it seems to me 
that I have done nothing. 



130 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

'• Lord, with this guilty heart of mine, 
To thy dear cross I flee ; 
And to thy grace, my soul resign, 
To be renewed by thee." 

I arrived at Houlton on Friday, and found 
quite a village, with two meeting-houses, one an 
Orthodox, the other a Unitarian. The Orthodox 
minister being gone, 1 preached two Sabbaths in 
their house. After that, the Unitarians gave us 
the use of their house, with all readiness, and I 
preached in their house six Sabbaths. I was in- 
formed that there had not been one Sabbath's 
preaching in that village before, by a Baptist 
-minister, for twelve years. I found but one 
Baptist brother, and a few sisters, in the village. 
I also heard that there were Baptist members 
scattered in the new settlements around the vil- 
lage ; and my first work was to hunt them up. 
But painful to tell, some of them had been living 
like the world around them. After much labor, 
I ventured to appoint a meeting to see if mater- 
ials could be found to organize a church. At 
the time appointed a goodly number met, and I 
found the most of them sound in the faith, and 
order of the gospel. About this time, I had the 
misfortune to lose my horse, which exposed me 
to much hardship in travelling on foot. 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 131 

August 6, 1842. — I received a letter from 
home, stating that my daughter, who was in 
good health when I left, now lay at the point of 
death with a fever. Under such circumstances, 
my feelings cannot be described. I had no 
where to go, but to cast my burden on him who 
has been my helper in all my afflictions. On 
Saturday, 13th, the Council met and organized 
a church of fifteen members. The next Satur- 
day we had a Conference, and the next day we 
had communion ; and it was a time long to be 
remembered. 

The 18th of August, I received the news of 
the death of my dear child, who died the next 
morning after I received my first letter. Thus, 
by the bitter stroke of death, I have lost six 
children, but, " the Lord gave and the Lord hath 
taken away, and blessed be the name of the 
Lord." After spending eight Sabbaths in Houl- 
ton, and the region round about, and commend- 
ing them to God, and the word of his grace, I 
bade them farewell, and took my leave of them. 

I then went to Patten, on the Aroostook road, 
where I expected to organize a church ; but 
finding them not ready, and receiving a letter 
that another daughter was sick with the fever, I 
tarried with them two Sabbaths, and then return- 



132 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



ed home. I had been gone twelve weeks, and 
preached forty-nine sermons, and attended many- 
other meetings for prayer and conference. In 
these new settlements, I found Baptist brethren 
who had moved from different parts of the States 
and Provinces, but had not been to a conference 
for twelve or fourteen years, and many of them 
had become so conformed to the world as to 
live without family prayer. It seemed to put 
them in pain to introduce the subject of religion. 
But I had the happiness of seeing many of them 
brought to the light. 

This new country is the most important field 
of missionary labor that there is in the whole 
State. The village of Houlton is quite an im- 
portant place. If they could be furnished with 
stated preaching, of the right kind for that vicin- 
ity, the Baptist cause would soon flourish there. 
In the town of Hodgdon there is a good Baptist 
church, and they are awake to the cause of 
Christ, but are destitute of preaching, unless they 
are supplied since I left there. But it would be 
in vain to attempt a description of the moral 
destitution of that beautiful region. When I left 
there, I left my heart with them, and if my 
health would admit, I should not stay away from 
them. Their perishing need is almost constantly 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 133 

before me. But I feel now as though my mis- 
sionary labors were over. Should it please God 
to restore my health, I think it would be my de- 
light to preach the gospel to the poor. 

I will here mention one circumstance which 
took place with me while on my mission. I had 
been from home one week, and was at Matta- 
wamkeaer Point. One night I was warned in 

o © 

my sleep that death was coming again into my 
family, very soon. The next week I wrote my 
family, informing them of my warning ; hoping 
that God would prepare me and them for the 
event. Before six weeks had passed, I received 
the news above mentioned. 

After my return home, my health ran down, 
so that I was not able to preach for nearly three 
months, and I thought it very doubtful if I should 
ever preach again. I was not idle, for when I 
could go abroad, 1 was begging for the poor 
churches at Houlton and Hodgdon, till I obtained 
for each of them a good set of communion ves- 
sels, and six Hymn Books and sent them on. 

After a while my health improved so that I 
went to China, and the Maine Baptist Missionary 
Board for the middle District appointed me their 
agent to raise a thousand dollars, for the Aroos- 
took and other domestic missions ; and also to 
12 x 



134 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

survey the missionary stations, and look out 
men to supply them. I commenced my labor 
without delay. After visiting between twenty 
and thirty churches, and getting them interested 
in raising their proportional part of the one 
thousand dollars, I went into the Aroostook, and 
got a survey of five missionary stations. I then 
returned and visited the churches in the Penob- 
scot and Piscataquis Associations. I then went 
to the Waldo Association, in Palermo, and met 
the Missionary Board. Brother Batchelder was 
then appointed missionary for Hodgdon, Amity, 
and Mattawamkeag Forks. I then attended 
three more Associations, and met an adjourned 
meeting of the Board. Three more missionaries 
were appointed, and I was prepared to report 
about six hundred dollars secured for the mis- 
sion. I then returned home to rest a short time, 
and it is now October 23d, 1843. I have now 
closed the 42d year of my ministry, and am in 
the 70th year of my age. I have reason to bless 
God for the privilege during the two past years 
of my life, of exploring the destitute regions of 
the Aroostook ; yet I mourn my almost useless 
life. How little have I done for God ! I have 
just returned from a five weeks agency, in 
which I have collected $141,91 for the mission, 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 135 

and paid over to the treasurer $110. There 
has been a great excitement the past year about 
the Second Advent, but it has very much subsi- 
ded, and the moral atmosphere through the 
State is like the stillness that succeeds a dread- 
ful earthquake. 

The following letters to the Board will afford 
some account of my labors in the Mission cause. 

TO THE BOARD OF THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF 
THE MAINE BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 

Beloved Brethren : — In accordance with your 
request last June, at Warren, I immediately commenced 
my agency, and went to Vassalboro', and spent the Sab- 
bath, I then went to Augusta, and Hallowell, and got 
Elders Warren, Adlam and Wilson to assist me, and 
we made a general assessment of the $1000 on the 
churches, subject to such alterations as should appear 
proper. I also went to Richmond, Bowdoinham, Tops- 
ham, Litchfield, and West Gardiner, and finding it im- 
possible to collect the assessments at present, I published 
an address to the churches, which appeared in the Ad- 
vocate. On the 21st of July, I started on a general visit 
among the churches. I went to Vassalboro', and spent 
the Sabbath, and that evening to China Village, and the 
church engaged to raise their assessment. The next 
day I went to South China, and collected $5,75. I 
visited the deacons and others, of both churches in 
Palermo, and attended a very interesting meeting in the 



138 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

evening. I went to the First Church in Jefferson, and 
engaged their minister and deacon to collect their assess- 
ment ; and then went on my way, calling upon some 
churches, and writing to others, till I came to Camden* 
where I spent two Sabbaths. From there I went to 
Hope, and then to Belfast, and engaged brother Sargent 
to collect their tax. The next day I left there — called 
at Frankfort and Hampden, and put up at Bangor. I 
found the churches generally pleased with the method 
of assessment, and most of their leading brethren mak- 
ing an effort to collect, without further trouble to the 
agent. I then went to Oldtown, from thence to Passa- 
dumkeag, and preached in the evening. Thursday, 
went to Mattawamkeag Point, in the evening. Friday, 
went to Patten, and carried them a set of communion 
vessels and six Hymn Books, that I had procured for 
them. I tarried two Sabbaths, visited two new settle- 
ments, got the church together, and helped them choose 
a deacon. I preached six sermons, and attended two 
prayer and conference meetings, — broke bread to them 
and returned to No . 3, and preached in the evening. 
The next day, I went to Mattawamkeag Forks, to Hodg- 
don and Houlton, where I tarried two days and three 
nights, and after regulating some important business 
relative to the mission, I returned to Mattawamkeag to 
spend the Sabbath. But we had so great a rain that we 
had nothing but a little prayer meeting. Monday, I 
returned to Lincoln, Tuesday, to Passadumkeag ; Wed- 
nesday, to Oldtown, and Bangor ; having spent three 
weeks in the missionary field, and taken account of five 
missionary stations. Thursday, I went to Levant and 
Corinth} Friday, to Charleston and Dover; Saturday, 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 137 

was unwell; Sunday, preached twice in Dover, and at 
evening, preached in Foxcroft village ; Monday, went 
to Guilford ; Tuesday, to Parkman and Dexter ; Thurs- 
day, to St. Albans, and preached in the evening ; h riday, 
went to the village, and thence to Athens village, where 
I spent the Sabbath and preached half of the day. After 
meeting, went to Cornville, where I preached in the 
evening. Monday, went to Bloomfield and preached a 
lecture; Wednesday, to Fairfield ; Thursday, to Water- 
ville, where I tarried over the Sabbath, visited and made 
some collection. I then went to Palermo, to the Waldo 
Association, from there to Belfast, spent the Sabbath, 
got a collection, from thence to St. George, to the Lin- 
coln Association, then returned home to attend the 
Bowdoinham Association. I there collected some 
money ; went to the Damariscotta Association, then 
returned home to rest a while, having spent twelve 
weeks in the service of the Board. 

After resting a while, I started again on my agency, 
went to Leeds and spent the Sabbath; thence to Wayne 
and Fayette — attended a Quarterly Meeting — collected 
some money, and wrote to several churches. I then 
went to South Palermo, preached a lecture and collected 
a little money. I then went to the First Church in 
Jefferson, and spent the Sabbath. I then went to Cam- 
den and attended a Quarterly Meeting. Here I got 
important information about the collections. I then 
returned to Warren, and commenced collecting. I went 
to West Thomaston, Sabbath evening, and by the next 
noon, I collected $22,38. I then went to Warren and 
collected $46,88. I then went to Waldoboro', but they 
12* 



138 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF , 

were not ready, and then went to Nobleboro' — spent the 
Sabbath, and got a collection. I spent six days, then 
went to the Second Church— spent the Sabbath, col- 
lected $41,54. I then went to Alna. Brother Day en- 
gaged to collect their $20, without my labor. I then 
went to Whiteneld, and started a subscription. I then 
returned home, Nov. 31, 1843, having been absent five 
weeks and collected $140. December 20, I collected 
and paid over to the treasurer, $124,34. I commenced 
my labors another week, and returned home sick ; hav- 
ing preached eight sermons, and attended three other 
meetings. H. Kendall. 

January 10, 1844. 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 139 



CHAPTER VIII. 



CONTINUATION OF DIARY MISSIONARY LABORS. 

1 have collected and paid over to the treasurer 
$124,34. I have been laid by one week with 
the influenza. I ha/e much to be thankful for, 
but my heart is hard. Dear Saviour, melt this 
flint away in thine own crimson sea. 

June 23, 1844. — I have just returned from 
our yearly Missionary Meeting. I have closed 
up my agency for the past year. There has 
been collected and expended, in the Middle 
District within the past year, a little short of 
1,300 for Domestic Missions, in the State. I 
have received the same agency for another year, 
and have undertaken to help the little church in 
Patten build a meeting-house ; there being none 
nearer than eighty miles as the road goes. 

July 3, 1844. — I have numbered my threescore 
and ten years, and in reviewing the past, I must 



140 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

cry out : What a strange rebellious wretch I 
have been, and God, as strangely kind. Truly 
I am a wonder to myself. I know that the land 
of silence and of death,attends my next remove. 
Lord help me to redeem the remnant of my mo- 
ments while I have them ; for the night of death 
comes when I can do no more for the cause of 
Christ. 

August 21, 1844.— I have just returned from 
another tour to the Aroostook, of five weeks and 
four days ; — have preached eleven times — at- 
tended several other meetings, and travelled six 
hundred miles. 

October 12, 1844. — Since the above date, I 
have attended six Associations, while on my 
agency, and have made several collections ; but 
of late my health' is rather poor — not able to 
fulfil my appointments on the Sabbath. Alas! 
what a rough sea I am in. How much it looks 
as though my little bark would be foundered 
after all ; but God who commands the winds 
and waves, can yet make it a calm. I have 
now closed the forty-third year of my ministry, 
and yet the great moral dearth is almost all over 
the State. When will the day break and the 
dismal night be gone ? 

November 23, 1844.— 1 have been confined 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 141 

at home several weeks by sickness. I often 
think how much it takes to wean me from the 
world ; but, again, I often fear that I am one of 
Bunyan's " Weary of the World ;" but sure I 
am, that my life on earth is very little sweet 
at besL 

December 8, 1844. — I am yet in the furnace. 
Lord, help me to " be still and know that thou 
art God." My wife lies at the point of death — 
speechless and helpless, under a shock of palsy. 
And will God, for Christ's sake, have mercy on 
her soul, and prepare me for the bitter stroke ? 

Dec. 16, 1844. — To-day the brittle thread has 
been struck : death has entered and taken its 
captive — the dear wife of my youth — the idol of 
my younger days — the mother of my children. 
But I know that the Judge of all the earth has 
done right. Lord, help me to kiss the rod and 
bless the hand that lays it upon me, that I may 
be prepared for my exit into the spirit world. 

January 2, 1845. — I have just returned from 
a two week's tour on my agency — have preach- 
ed seven sermons, and collected some money 
for the mission, and met with many dear, sym- 
pathizing friends ; and it is a consolation that I 
have an interest in their prayers. 

July 3, 1845. — To-day I am 71 years old, 



14*2 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

and have just finished up another year's labor 
for the mission cause. I? the Lord will, I shall 
soon start again into the Aroostook County to 
see if the wilderness begins to blossom as the 
rose, and the streams begin to break forth in the 
desert. But " except thy presence go with me 
carry me not up there." 

September, 26, 1845.— I have just returned 
from another tour into the Aroostook, and have 
had a laborious scene. I visited Patten and left 
$122, which I had collected for them. I also 
visited Houlton and the region around it. The 
state of religion is low in that county. 

TO THE SECRETARY OF THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY IN 
THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF MAINE. 

Beloved Brethren : — I set out on my mission to 
the Aroostook on Tuesday, July 29, 1845, and notwith- 
standing the abundance of rain, and the extreme rough- 
ness of the travelling, I arrived at Patten on Saturday 
of the same week ; a distance of about two hundred 
miles. I was so fatigued, that I had hard work to preach 
twice on the Sabbath. I found the state of religion very 
low, but the people were hungry for the word. They 
had got their meeting-house up, and expect to board and 
shingle it before cold weather. I left what money 1 had 
collected for them, and after visiting what 1 was able to 
do, and preaching three Sabbaths, I left them and went 
to Houlton, nearly eighty miles. I found them destitute 
of preaching, except once a month, by Elder Batehel- 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 143 

der. I preached to them one Sabbath, two miles back 
from the village, and had a very interesting meeting. I 
spent nearly a week in trying to set things in order 
among them. I went to Monticello and preached a 
lecture. I also went to Belfast Grant, and spent a Sab- 
bath. On my return, I preached an evening lecture in 
Linneus, The meeting was very solemn. A lame man 
came two miles on foot, with his cane, to attend the 
meeting. He was very much affected. The next 
morning he came three miles for me to pray with him. 
Before he left, he was very much distressed about his 
soul. I found that in Linneus, Limerick, and Belfast 
Grant, Eider Spaulding and wife were exerting an ex- 
cellent influence, as well as in some other places. They 
appear to be real missionaries, and under their labors^ 
there are signs of a revival. While I was at Patten, I 
had a fall which injured my head so that, although it. 
was done seven weeks ago, it is far from being well, 
On my return from Linneus, while passing through the 
woods, I was overtaken by a violent rain, and took a 
severe cold, which settled on my lungs, and threatened 
me with a foyer. On my return, I attended a Quarterly 
Meeting at Newburg, and although I was in great dis- 
tress in my head and lungs, I tried to preach to them 
twice ; for I found they needed information in regard to 
the missionary cause. It was very rainy, and but few 
assembled ; yet we had an excellent meeting. They 
contributed .$3,98 for the mission, and I paid it over to 
the treasurer of the middle District. I then attended 
the Waldo and Lincoln Associations in order to stir 
them up in the mission cause. I then returned home,. 



144 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

having been gone eight weeks and preached from two 
to three times every Sabbath. "When I look over the 
moral waste of that region, my heart is pained, and 1 
sometimes think if I were young again, I should delight 
to spend my days in that country. I hope the Lord of 
the harvest will send forth laborers into the harvest, I do 
not expect to perform any more missionary labor this 
season, > Yours, respectfully, 

Henry Kendall. 
Topsham, October 2, 1845. 



Dear Bro. Kendall. — I received yours of the 5th 
inst., on Friday noon, too late for a return this week by 
mail. It will go out on Monday. I am very glad to 
learn that you are so near us. We want to see you very 
much, and have been thinking of writing to you to make 
us a visit this summer. Deacon Bradbury, and some 
others have often inquired of me if I thought you would 
be here soon. I have heard them say that they must see 
you again ; for they never wanted to see you more than 
they now do. We want your counsel and advice re- 
specting many things. If you pass through Linneus, 
please call on brother Nickerson's family. They would 
be very glad to see you. I wish I could, consistently 
with your request, go to Patten. It would afford me 
much pleasure ; for I have thought much of that church 
and people. But I cannot, at present, without great in- 
convenience. I have some appointments, and Mrs. / 
Spaulding has an arrangement of female meetings in the 
different towns, which could not be attended if I should 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 145 

be absent. Besides this, 1 feel that some things make 
it necessary that I should be here when you visit Houl- 
ton. Please come and see us as soon as you can. 
Yours, very sincerely and respectfully, 

R. C. Spaulding. 
Houlton, August 9, 1845. 

January 11, 1846. — Having supplied the 
church at home most of the time since I returned 
from the Aroostook, I am again engaged in 
collecting money for that mission. I have now 
entered a new year, — the seventy-second year 
of my age, and the forty-fifth year of my minis- 
try. O, how little have I done for God, when 
he has done so much for me ! I can do but little 
more at most, for my time is short. But " what 
my hands find to do, I must do it with my might." 

March, 1846. — I was sent for to go to Cam- 
den to help the church out of troubles. After 
laboring six weeks, by the blessing of God, it 
was restored to peace. 

June 20, 1846. — We had a very interesting 
season at our Convention. I have relinquished 
my agency, and declined any appointment as a 
missionary. 

July 1, 1846. — This morning I was married 

to Permelia Palmer, of Albion. May God make 

us a blessing to each other. I am now supply- 
13 



146 AUTOBIOGEAPHY OF 

ing the church in Harps well. In September, 
1846, Eider B. F. Shaw, pastor of the First 
Church in China, being out of health, he request- 
ed me to supply his place, till he should again 
be able to resume his abor. It was a sore trial 
for me to leave the dear church at Harpswell ; 
but as circumstances seemed to mark the path 
of duty, I therefore went to China, and supplied 
their pulpit twenty-two Sabbaths. 

May, 1847. — I was called to Vassalboro', 
where the church had become almost distracted 
and torn to its very centre, by the influence of 
their late pastor. After laboring with them until 
August, I succeeded in getting a council who 
condemned his conduct, and bound him to make 
confession, which he did, and the church forgave 
him. But as he took a very imprudent course 
subsequently, the ministers who attended the 
June Quarterly Meeting, withdrew their fellow- 
ship from him ; but at their meeting in October, 
he was restored, on condition that he should send 
a written confession to the church at Vassalboro', 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 141 



CHAPTER IX, 



CHANGE OF MEASURES.— RECOLLECTIONS OF 
EARLY TIMES. DOCTRINAL VIEWS. 

January, 1849. — I came to Kennebec in the 
year 1802, and soon became acquainted with 
most of the Baptist ministers in Maine. Those 
of my particular associates were, Elders H. 
Smith, J. Lock, Kinsman & Roberts, B. Tit- 
comb, D. Green, J. Tripp, L. Boardman, O. 
Billings, R. Low, T. Woodward, T. Mariner, 
W. Stinson, S. Stinson, J. Baily, I. Case, M. 
Cane, J. Palmer, J. Temple, B. Cole. These, 
with a succession of others, who came into the 
field in the course of ten or twelve years, al- 
though they possessed different gifts, they at- 
tained to speak the same Truth, and to walk by 
the same rule. They ardently loved each other, 
and sought to assist each other in their arduous 
labors. Our manner of preaching was to pre- 
sent the plain truth of the Bible. The doctrine 



148 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



of total moral depravity, the justly condemned 
state of sinners under the law, — salvation by 
grace through faith in Christ, as the only way 
for lost sinners, — with their kindred doctrines 
were enforced by gospel experience. God 
owned and blessed the word. The wilderness 
blossomed like the rose, and streams broke forth 
in the desert, and the tongue of the dumb sang 
praise to God. The churches came up under 
good discipline. Their members had to give 
an account of themselves to the church once a 
month, and the work of the Lord spread far and 
wide. In this way Zion prospered, and churches 
and associations -were multiplied. 

But subsequently there came several learned 
ministers into the Association ; and, notwith- 
standing they were pious, godly men, some of 
them were very imprudent, and bore hard upon 
the illiterate ministers. One went so far as to 
state, in public, that a learned minister, without 
grace, would do more good in the cause of Christ 
than an unlearned minister with grace. Another 
stated in a public sermon, that the time had 
been when illiterate ministers had been useful ; 
but that time had gone by. These things had 
an alarming effect on ministers and churches. 
They brought upon me a succession of trials 






ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 149 

that I shall never be able to relate. They also 
produced much jealousy and prejudice against 
an educated ministry, and even education itself. 
In this state of things, I ever felt it my duty to 
stand between the two extremes. I was accused 
by one party, of being bought by the other ; 
while the others have watched me with a jealous 
eye. But these troubles have measurably sub- 
sided, and our uneducated ministers hav f e, most 
of them, gone to their reward. For a few years 
past, darkness has covered this part of the earth, 
and gross darkness $te people ; but of late the 
blessed Lord has begun to visit us again with a 
time of refreshing from his presence. 

About the year 1840, there was a system of 
new measures introduced into some of the 
churches, to produce excitement, to get up a 
reformation, by the means of which great num- 
bers of children and youth, were brought into 
the church, who, soon after, gave no true evi- 
dence of true piety. I have seen a man go to a 
place, and take a little girl, and stand her on a 
seat and put leading questions to her, so that she 
woi^ld only have to answer, yes. I have seen 
similar management for weeks together ; and I 
was disheartened beyond description. Formerly 
the Lord carried on his work in a very different 
13* 



150 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

manner. I was once in a reformation where I 
baptized a hundred and thirty-two, in seven 
months, and no one was called to rise for prayers* 
or to come to the " anxious seats. ,; Yet I have 
no objection to giving those who are anxious an 
opportunity to request prayers, but I had rather 
they would come voluntarily. If the reader 
would like to know why I write this,'I wish him 
to turn to a letter in this book, written to my 
daughter, who was a subject of such a reforma- 
tion, but soon left the church and joined the 
Universalists, and so remained till her death. 
The amount of evil that has been brought upon 
the cause of Christ, by such a course of man- 
agement, is beyond description. I know of one 
case where one of our modern Evangelists suc- 
ceeded in getting twenty-eight converts into the 
water, in one day,*and left them all out of the 
church, and a large portion of them are like 
other sinners, in the road to death. 

I will here relate another dream; for the 
Scripture saith, — " he that hath a dream let him 
tell it." About two weeks before such a series 
of meetings and a reformation commenced, I 
was six miles from home ; and in deep sleep, I 
fancied myself travelling alone. At length I 
came to a large sheet of water. There I found 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 15* 

two men fishing with a singular net. They 
would throw it a great way upon the water, and 
it would sink to the bottom. They had lines to 
it by which they drew it ashore. It went to the 
bottom, and brought up every thing it met. 
They drew it up several times, and picked out 
the contents and threw them in a pile ; but they 
took no notice of me. At length I began to in- 
spect their fish, but I found only here and there 
a good one. The most of them were bad, and 
would soon putrify. There were also all kinds 
of sea shells; but the men continued their work 
without any regard to me. So I walked away 
upon the beach, and came to a spot of clear 
water, full of beautiful fish. I slipped in among 
them, and caught them with my hands, and 
threw them out upon the grass. I awoke, and 
it was a dream. But in a few weeks after, I saw 
it acted out in every part. I can truly say that 
such management has been a source of grief and 
trial to my soul, for I believe that, in order for 
sinners to be saved, they must first see and feel 
that they are lost, and must be saved by grace, 
or perish forever. 

In the year 1807, after I had baptized several 
persons in Bloomfield, I preached a lecture at a 
school house, near Skowhegan Falls ; — my sub- 



152 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

ject was partly on baptism. When the meeting 
had closed, a Mr. Hartwell came out and stopped 
at the door. When I went out he saluted me 
thus : — " Mr. Kendall, I can prove that the 
apostles did baptize by sprinkling, and you can- 
not prove the contrary." I asked — " What will 
you prove it by, Sir ?" He said, "by history." 
1 told him to take good care of his history, and 
I would keep the Bible. He then asked me 
how much water I thought there was where 
Philip baptized the Eunuch. I told him there 
was enough to bury him in. " Oh !" said he, 
u it was nothing but a duck puddle." I asked 
him how he knew ;~if he was ever there ? He 
said, no, but he had seen the map. " Well, sir," 
said I," it must be a curious map that contains 
duck puddles. "Well, said he, " the words 
c into' and c out of,' signify only to and from." 
Said 1, " the New Testament says, that Jesus 
ascended up into heaven ; but you say he did 
not ; I wish you to tell me where he is gone ; 
the same book tells me that the devils came out 
of the man, and went into the swine, and the 
whole herd ran down a steep place into the sea, 
and were choked in the water ; but you say they 
did not, and now if you will tell me what choked 
those swine, I shall think' that you can read 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 153 

Greek. Upon that he left me, and troubled me 
no more with his Greek. Bat time would fail 
me to write a small part of the opposition I met 
within those days and mostly from the old Ar- 
minian orders. 

In the midst of this revival, I had attended a 
very excellent conference, and several candidates 
had been received for baptism. I spent the 
night at old sister Russell's. While there, I 
found my mind began to sink, and darkness 
covered my soul like midnight. I tried to pray, 
and to examine myself, to see if there was any 
thing that I had said or done, or had neglected 
to do, that had brought this darkness upon my 
mind ; but could find nothing in particular. 
My distress continued all night : in the morning 
I retired to a secret place, and tried to throw my 
burden upon the Lord, but it seemed when I 
tried to lean on him, he withdrew with a frown, 
and meant to let me fall. I then knew what the 
Psalmist meant when he said, " I am shut up, 
and cannot come forth." I envied the crows as 
they flew over my head, and said, ' O ! that I 
had wings like them ; then I eoulcl fly away into 
the wilderness."' The time came for meeting, 
and a large assembly collected at the barn where 
I was to preach. I took my stand, but my soul 



154 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



was in trouble that cannot be expressed. On 
my left, were several women; one of them 
noticed my appearance and seemed to under- 
stand my case ; therefore, when an opportunity 
was offered, she whispered and said, u Brother 
Kendall, there is enough in Christ." These 
words were blessed to me, and I had such a dis- 
covery of the fullness and glory of Christ, that it 
made me feel whole. I then went on with my 
meeting, and preached and baptized, and 
broke bread to the church. After I had 
closed, I felt that I had had another terrible 
battle with the enemy, and God had given me 
the victory, and I felt to rejoice in his salvation. 
I recollect that the year 18 i 6 was one of those 
cold seasons which threatened the county with 
famine. I had a large family, and bread was 
very scarce and dear. I knew not how to sup- 
ply them. After praying for direction, it came 
to my mind to go on board a coaster, and go to 
Boston and Canton, and visit my brethren, and 
perad venture the Lord would open a way for 
my relief. When I arrived in Boston, I called 
on a brother Lord, (who was an Englishman,) 
with whom I had been acquainted three years. 
I tarried with him a short time, and then went to 
Canton. I said nothing to him about my family 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 155 

wants. When I had been at Canton a few days, 
I received a message from him requesting me to 
come to him in Boston, without delay. I went 
the next day. He was very glad to see me, — 
took me into a private room, and, after asking 
me some questions, he said he was aware of the 
delicacy that ministers feel about complaining of 
their wants if they can avoid it. " Now, said 
he, 4: 1 want you to keep nothing back ; for if 
you do, God will surely chastize you. Are you 
not in a strait about your family's support ? I 
told him it was not my way to complain about 
poverty, for God had always provided for me, 
and I trusted he yet would. " Yes," said he, 
" and he*has made it your duty to own the truth 
when it is called for." So I had to tell him the 
w T hole truth. " After you left here," said he, - 
" the Lord showed me, in my sleep, that you 
were needy; therefore I sent for you, and you 
have done well that you have come. Now tell 
me how many bushels of corn it will take for 
your family." I told him that I thought eight 
would do, he said that would not be half enough, 
and told me to go and look out fifteen dollars' 
worth, and when I was ready to go, to call upon 
him, and he would pay for it. 

At this time my clothes had become rusty and 



156 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

threadbare, and I knew not how to get any more. 
But my blessed Master knew what I needed, and 
how to provide* Brother Low sent for me to go 
to his shop : I went, and he took my measure 
for a suit of clothes, and told me they would be 
ready for me when I called. I then returned to 
Canton and spent the Sabbath ; but as the vessel 
was to sail by the middle of the week, I then 
went to Boston and called on brother Lord, and 
he gave me fifteen dollars and some cloth to 
make me a cloak, and said,— " I don't wish you 
to think that all of this comes out of my earn- 
ings, for I am a poor man ; but I have a num- 
ber of Christian friends who have authorized me 
to look after poor ministers. Therefore when 1 
notify them they are ready to assist ; and if you 
need any more assistance be sure and let me 
know it." I put my things on board the vessel, 
which was to sail in the night, but I had a lec- 
ture to attend that evening, at Dr. Sharp's vestry. 
When the time came, my dear friends went 
with me to the meeting, and I tried to preach 
Christ to them, being ready to depart. After 
meeting, brother Lord and several others ac- 
companied me on board the vessel, and we gave 
each other the parting hand ; but not without 
tears. This was the last time I ever saw that 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 157 

dear brother. The next time I heard from him, 
the blessed Lord had called him home. 

We sailed at about eleven at night. When I 
retired to the cabin, 0, what a scene of the 
loving kindness and tender mercies of God rolled 
into my dear soul ! I thought, who, and what 
am I, but a poor sinner, that God should deal 
with me thus ? I think it led me to consecrate 
my all to him anew. That night we came very 
near being cast away upon half-way rock ; but 
God preserved us from danger, and I was brought 
safely home, where I found my family well. I 
could then say : " Bless the Lord, O my soul, 
and all that is within me bless his holy name !" 

Here I would say, that nine weeks of school, 
finished my education for life. I have now been 
in the ministry forty-three years, and it has been 
my lot to labor mostly among poor people, who 
could afford me but little help ; of course, I have 
had to labor hard to support my large family. 
Neither have I had the privilege of studying 
authors ; but I have felt the importance of un- 
derstanding the blessed Bible for myself, and its 
blessed truths have been my song in the night 
of my pilgrimage. They have supported me 
when all other streams have failed. 

My views of Bible doctrine are as follows, 
14 



158 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

viz :— I believe the doctrine of the entire aliena- 
tion of the heart of man from God ; so that by- 
nature all the human family are " children of 
wrath," and justly exposed to eternal death : — 
that total moral depravity consists in supreme 
selfishness, which is found to be the first great 
ruling principle in every depraved creature. 

I believe that all intelligent beings are free 
moral agents, so constituted, in the decree of 
creation, so that freedom of choice is absolutely 
necessary, in order that what we do should be 
either virtuous or vicious ; otherwise, our actions 
would be neither praiseworthy nor blameworthy. 

I believe in one living and true God, who has 
revealed himself, in his word, consisting in three 
persons- — the Father, the Son, and the Holy 
Ghost ; and that the Godhead is contained in 
each of these persons, so that they must act in 
perfect union, upon an immutable plan, of his 
own most blessed purpose and will, by which he 
governs and controls all events in heaven, earth, 
and hell, so that a sparrow cannot fall to the 
ground without his notice. 

I believe that the atonement made by Jesus 
Christ, is exactly commensurate with all the 
mercy and grace that God ever desired to ex- 
ercise toward the fallen race, whether temporal, 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 159 

or spiritual, general or particular ; so that all the 
purposes of divine grace will be accomplished. 

I believe it is the duty of all men to believe 
the truth, repent of sin, and return to God. 
But they will not come to Christ that they might 
have life. Hence, I believe that the salvation 
of sinners depends entirely upon the sovereign 
choice of God, carried into effect by the agency 
of the Holy Spirit, so that salvation is a free 
gift, and that evangelical faith, and repentance, 
are the fruits of renewing grace. 

I believe that all regenerated souls will arrive 
at heaven, upon the immutability of the new 
covenant, and all that die in their sins will be 
forever miserable. 

I believe that to sanctify is to set apart ; of 
course, there are different classes of sanctifica- 
tion revealed in the' Bible. 

First. — God sanctified his Son, and sent him 
into the world to be the new Covenant Head of 
His Church, and, in that relation, to be their 
Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and Re- 
demption. Second, — that God sanctified and 
set apart the Bride, the Lamb's Wife, to be the 
spiritual purchase of his pain, together with every 
thing necessary for the accomplishment of his 
promise that his son should see his seed, the 



160 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 



travail of his soul, and be satisfied. Third, — 
the Son sanctified himself to the work he under- 
took. Fourth, — that the Holy Spirit sanctifies 
or sets apart every one that believeth, by renew- 
ing their hearts, by which they obtain evidence 
of their adoption. Fifth, — the believer, upon 
finding his heart renewed, and knowing that it is 
the work of the Spirit, is led by the same spirit, 
to sanctify himself to God for time and eternity; 
and also to sanctify the Lord God in his heart, 
that he may be ready to every good work. The 
Christian is sanctified by God, the Father, in 
body and spirit, and it is his duty to sanctify 
himself to God every moment. Practical sane- 
tification is performed, by purifying himself 
from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, that he 
may perfect holiness in the fear of God. 

I believe that all afflictions and trials that 
await the Christian in this life, work for his 
best good, and that our light afflictions, which 
are but for a moment, work for us a far more 
and exceeding weight of glory. 

I believe in the resurrection, both of the just 
and unjust ; that the vile bodies of the saints 
will be changed into the likeness of the most 
glorious body of the Redeemer, and will be 
caught up to meet the Lord in the air, and so be 






ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 181 

ever with the Lord ; and that the wicked will be 
sentenced to everlasting punishment. 

Sometime in January, I received the follow- 
ing letter from brother William Bowler, of South 
China. 

South China, January 16, 1843. 
Dear Brother Kendall: — Agreeably to my 
wishes, and by the request of the church in this place, 
I drop these lines to you, my old friend; the chief 
object of which is to solicit a visit from you as soon as 
possible. The condition of the church requires some 
extra effort, under existing circumstances ; and the 
brethren are anxious to have you come andmake us 
a visit. They also instructed me to promise, in their 
behalf, that you should be remunerated for your trou- 
ble. 

I am Yours, in Gospel Affection, 

William Bowler. 

In about two weeks, I went to China, and 

found the church in a low and feeble state. We 

commenced a series of meetings, and the church 

began to wake up. We continued the meetings? 

afternoon and evenings, eleven days ; then I had 

preached twelve sermons, and there was quite 

an interest. Some were evidently very anxious. 

I then had to leave them for one week ; but the 

meetings were kept up. I returned, and con- 
14* 



162 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

tinned the meeting about two weeks. The revi- 
val continued gradually to increase, and the 
church received seven candidates for baptism. 
By this time, I was so worn out, by preaching 
almost every day, and talking continually, tha 
I was obliged to leave them for about ten days 
to recruit. I then returned, and resumed my 
labors for about ten weeks more. The good 
work had then spread in different directions, and 
seven more candidates were received for bap- 
tism. The last Sabbath in March, eleven con- 
verts followed their dear Redeemer into the 
watery grave. Afterwards, others were added, 
making twenty as the fruits of these meetings. 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 163 



CHAPTER X, 



STYLE OF PREACHING, AND TRIALS. 

The first thirty years of my ministry, I was 
called a " reformation preacher ;" probably be- 
cause God was pleased to bless the word in al- 
most all places where I labored any length of 
time. The manner of my preaching, I think? 
has been uniform through the whole of my min- 
istry. The doctrine of God's holy requirements; 
— of total depravity, — of man's obligations, — 
of free, sovereign grace, — the immutability of 
the new covenant, — and the obligations of Chris- 
tians to live to the glory of God, have been the 
grand topics of my preaching. Of course, I 
have had many warm friends and bitter enemies. 
But few ministers of this age have had more 
ridiculous stones reported about them, than my- 
self: but through boundless grace to me, I know 
them all to be false. And it is remarkable that 
in almost all places where I have preached, the 



164 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

first evidence that I have had that the Lord had 
a work for me to do, has been the tongue of 
slander. For several- of the first years of my 
ministry, I was afflicted with awful fears of self- 
deception, excepting while I was preaching ; 
then, I would forget them : but when I had 
closed, my handcuffs and fetters were again 
fastened upon me. Many times, when I have 
gone to my appointments, with distressing fears 
that I was not called of God to preach, and even 
doubting my sincerity as a Christian, in conse- 
quence of the constant sight of my past back- 
slidings and deep depravity, it has pleased God 
to bless the word to the comfort of his people, 
and the awakening of sinners. I have often, 
after having a good season in preaching, and in 
Christian conversation, been sorely tried in con- 
sequence of the following suggestions : — How 
do you know that these things are so ? You 
have preached what you believe, but others be- 
lieve different, and are as sincere as you. And 
how do you kndw but you are altogether deceiv- 
ed ? And, being jealous of myself, I have been 
rather inclined to give way to the insinuations ; 
and have sunk so low as to call in question the 
whole subject of revealed religion. But, when 
called again to preach the gospel, I would forget 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 165 

my doubts and fears, and if, at any time, I have 
enjoyed a comfortable state of mind, it has been 
counterbalanced by a dreadful storm. 

I recollect, that about the year 1820, in a time 
of great declension among the churches, my 
mind sank into a most distressing situation. I 
was anxious to understand why there should be 
such extremes in the churches. On reflecting, I 
saw that there was from one to seven years be- 
tween revivals among them ; and that they would 
wake up like delirious people, anxious to receive 
all that they could get. Thus the churches 
would be filled up. But when the reformation 
was over, they were obliged to commence dis- 
cipline, and continue it sometimes for years, 
until the church would be almost gone. When 
led, in anguish, to cry to God for help, another 
revival would commence. Then the churches 
would wake up again, and go through the same 
course, which must be succeeded by labor and 
grief, without learning the reason why, and 
spending time enough to support the gospel 
abundantly, if it had been converted to the right 
use. After this, 1 attended a Quarterly Meeting, 
and opened my mind to the brethren ; but they 
supposed that something strange had befallen 
me ; neither could I make them see the inlet to 



166 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

most of the difficulties which wreck the churches. 
From that time, I have pursued a different course. 
I have never allowed myself to baptize any, un- 
til they were made acquainted with our Confes- 
sion of Faith, and were satisfied with it, and felt 
that the church was their home. I have found 
that in pursuing this course, much labor and 
grief have been prevented. 

I have been called upon to preach in most of 
our cities and villages, from Rhode Island to 
Nova Scotia, and have often had sore trials, on 
account of the pride of my heart on being called 
to preach before the great and the 'earned. And 
when this enemy has come on like a flood, the 
spirit of the Lord has lifted up a standard* 
Many times, when I have had great freedom in 
preaching, the word would have but little effect. 
At other times, when I have not felt that free- 
dom, God has made it effectual to the salvation 
of souls. 

I have often thought, in trying to pray in my 
family, that they were tired of hearing me, and 
I had better give it up. At other times, I have 
had precious seasons in family worship. Some- 
times the Bible has been to me a sealed book 
for weeks, and I have been awfully tempted to 
question its authenticity. At other times, its 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 167 

promises have been like apples of gold in pic- 
tures of silver. Under my family afflictions, I 
have found it very difficult to maintain a pleas- 
ant temper of mind. My patience has been so 
severely and perpetually tested, that it has de- 
stroyed all my comfort ; and were it not for the 
assurance that the foundation of God standeth 
sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them 
that are his, I should sink under my afflictions. 
I have often been helped by this text, " no chas- 
tening for the present seemeth joyous, but 
grievous ; nevertheless, afterwards it yieldeth 
the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them 
which are exercised thereby." And again,- — - 
" whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth." I often 
think if I am a Christian, God has chosen me in 
a furnace of affliction ; but if it would remove 
the dross and tin ; I could rejoice in the midst 
of the furnace. Amidst the storms that have at- 
tended me, the following lines have often been a 
comfort to my soul. 



(swain.) 

How light, when supported by grace, 

Are all the afflictions I see, 
To those, the dear Lord of my peace,—- 

My Jesus has suffered for me. 



168 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

To hirn every comfort I owe ; 

More than the fiends have in hell : 
And shall I not sing as I go — 

That Jesus does every thing well ? 

That Jesus, who stooped from his throne 
To pluck such a brand from the fire ; 

A wretch, that hath nought of his own, 
Not even one holy desire. 

My only inheritance, sin ; 

A slave to rebellion and lust j 
Polluted without and within; 

A child of corruption and dust. 

Such was I, when Jesus looked down ; 

When, none but himself could relieve ; 
What could I expect but a frown ? 

Yet he graciously smiled, and said live. 

And shall I impatiently fret, 

And murmur against his kind rod,— 

His love and his mercy forget, — 
And fly in the face of my God ? 



Oh, no ! in the strength he has given, 
And pledged his own love to bestow, 

111 fight through my passage to heaven, 
And sing of his love as I go. 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 169 

He will purge away nought but my dross, 

Then let him afflict, — I'll adore : 
And cheerfully bear up the cross, 

That Jesus has carried before. 

July 3d, 1847.— To-day I am 74 years old, 
and in the 47th year of my ministry. Oh ! what 
a worthless creature ; — laboring under infirmi- 
ties that threaten my dissolution, so that 1 can 
preach but little ; and to live useless is distress- 
ing. 

Dec. 7, 1848. — I have been able to preach 
but a part of the time the past season, and I have 
spent the most of it in Vassalboro\ trying to 
save the church from sinking, but it is a hard 
case. I have recently witnessed some revival 
in Winslow, and have spent a week in a reform- 
ation in Bloomfield. Nearly twenty obtained a 
hope while I was with them. Oh! how good it 
is to witness the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit, 
after so long a dearth. Lord, spread it far and 
wide. 

Sept., 1849. — I yet suffer poor health, and 
have preached but a few times the season past, 
I have recently returned from a visit to Meredith, 
in New Hampshire, where I first commenced 

preaching in the year 1801, and, having been 
15 



170 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

absent from them fourteen years, the most of 
my brethren and sisters were gone to their eter- 
nal home. The few whom I found, received 
me with inexpressible delight. I spent one Sab- 
bath with them, and preached two sermons, and 
we all felt that it was probably the last time we 
should ever meet on earth ; and when we parted 
it was with many tears. 

China, Dec, 1849.— -I have just returned 
from our Quarterly Meeting ; — had a good sea- 
son. The presence of the Saviour was evidently 
with us. The past season, one branch of our 
church has been blessed with some revival 
among the youth. About fourteen have been 
added to the church. 

The following Hymn was written in my 77th 
year. 

Lord thou hast made my life thy care, 
Through all its dangerous scenes ; 

O ! may thy boundless mercy, Lord, 
Lead me to love tby name. 

My years to seventy-five have flown } 
While old and young have died ; 

My wife and children, dear to me, 
Have fallen by my side. 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 171 

I know that what thou dost is right, 

Though dark it seems to me ; 
And here I cast my anchor, Hope, 

Midst every breaking sea. 

But ! how little have I done — 

For him who spilt his blood — 
For to redeem my soul from death, 

And bring me home to God. 

'Twas boundless mercy, matchless grace, 

That stopped me in my youth ; 
And taught iriy thoughts to soar above, 

And love the ways of truth. 

This tongue, that has proclaimed thy love 

To thousands, old and young, 
Will soon lie silent in the grave, 

Amidst the mouldering throng. 

And when the hour of death shall come, 

Dear Saviour, be my friend ; 
And through the merits of thy death, 

Grant me a peaceful end. 

Then, washed in thy most precious blood, 

With the redeemed, I'll sing 
Of thy redeeming, matchless Grace, 

My Saviour, and my King. 



172 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

Then with the chief of sinners, I 

Will seek the lowest place, 
That I may sing the highest song, 

Of thy redeeming Grace. 

Then shall I see my Saviour dear, 

Who groaned and died for me ; 
And join with all the blood-washed throng, 

To praise eternally. 

The following letters were received from 
brethren and sisters, in different places, with 
whom I had formerly been acquainted. 

Boston, February, 1816. 
Dear Brother in the Lokd :— Agreeable to 
your request, I take my pen to inform you of the 
glorious work of God, which is going on in the town, 
Oh ! brother, the saints of God haye not prayed in 
vain. The Lord is causing some mercy drops to fall 
here ; and though I have, myself, conversed with 
about fifty who have visited me ; and there are be- 
tween thirty and forty who profess to have a hope ; 
and I have heard of many more that I have not con- 
versed with, — yet, God will do greater things. It is 
in all three of the Baptist churches ; but far the great- 
est work appears to be in the First Church. Mr. 
Winchell is much engaged ; — he is going from house 
to house, and some whole families are distressed for 
their souls. They attend his meetings, and send for 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 173 

him to come and talk with them. The two young 
ladies, at sister Parsons' whom you visited the Tues- 
day before you left Boston, are now rejoicing in the 
truth ; and Lucy Jones, the one that you conversed 
with the first time you went there with me, wished 
me to write. I will use her own words. "Oh! tell 
him that I want to see him. I hated him the first 
time he was here ; — I felt that what he said was true ; 
but I resolved not to let him know it." Last Monday, 
Miss Andrews (who overheard you pray at sister 
Parsons') was brought to rejoice in God, I trust. She 
is the same person whom you spoke to, when coming 
out of sister F s, at Charlestown, viz : " Fare- 
well ! hardened sinner !" This was sent home with 
great power ; and she was in great distress for her 
soul, till the time I mentioned. There have been 
others who were wrought upon the evening you 
preached at Dr. Baldwin's meeting-houFe. 

Dear brother, it would rejoice your heart to see 
how full our Monday evening meetings have been at- 
tended of late. Last Monday evening, there were as 
many outside of the house as in ; and many more 
obliged to go away. One man, after meeting, cried 
out and said he would not go away without letting 
them know what a great sinner he was, and how aw- 
fully he had deceived himself; for, thus far, he had 
thought he was a Christian. He attended the meet" 
ing at our bouse on Thursday, and appeared to be in 
great distress for his sins. We have established the 
meeting I talked with you about, and find it very in- 
15* 



174 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

terestlng. It is delightful to find souls willing to hear 
about the Saviour. Such meetings I have not wit- 
nessed before for twelve years. God is waking up 
his children. Oh ! my brother, help me to praise the 
Lord. I do feel as if I had seen what my soul longed 
to see. Young converts begin to flock to our beloved 
pastor, Dr. Baldwin, and his soul begins to take hold 
of the work. Dear brother, pray for us, that Jesus 
would make a stay with us — that many precious souls 
may be gathered to the fold of Christ. We long to 
see you here. Oh, brother, what obligations am I 
under to God. My house, for three weeks past, has 
been visited from morning till night, by souls crying, 
" What shall I do to be saved ?" — and souls praising 
God. Some backsliders have returned, confessing 
their sins. There are fifty-five anxious souls, twenty- 
nine of whom have been brought to the knowledge of 
the truth. I have reason to believe that my daughter, 
Isabel, is a subject of the work. I entreat you to 
pray for my only son, — that he may be a subject o 1 
redeeming grace. Mr. Low wishes to be remembered 
to you, and we wish to be remembered to your wife. 
Our sister Parsons, whom you saw sick, is still happy, 
though drawing near to death. Her soul appears to 
be on the wing for heaven. When we tell her she 
cannot live, she begins to sing, at the thought of being 
so near home. Such a religion is worth having. 
Yv r ho would not have such a God ? but I must bid you 
adieu, for the present. Do write us ; and when it i 
well with you, O ! forget not your unworthy sister, 

Nancy Low. 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. j 75 

Canton, November 5, 1816. 

Beloved Brother in Christ : — I feel as though 
I ought, in the first place, to make a confession for 
neglecting you so long; but, could I express to you, 
l n this letter, the situation in which we have been 
since I saw you, I think you would excuse me in part, 
Elder Gipson preached with us three Sabbaths, and 
with Sharon church four, besides occasional lectures. 
The church and society, in Sharon, were desirous to 
have him settle among us ; but our church could not 
agree to it. The Sharon church then agreed with 
him to preach with them six Sabbaths more. He has 
now returned to Newport. The reformation still con- 
tinues in Sharon, and three persons are to be baptized 
''his week, by Elder Gammell. Nothing special has 
taken place among us since you was here, except a 
general declension among the brethren. Almost 
every brother has deserted his post ; an<J thereby giv- 
en the enemy great advantage over us ; and they have 
improved every opportunity. One thing has taken 
place, which I hope will do some good. They have 
turned us out of the school-house, where we used to 
meet. I do not know as you would wish me to write 
any thing of my own experience ; but you know it is 
natural for Christians to talk about themselves. You 
recollect, no doubt, the state of my mind when you 
saw me last. I got no relief for a considerable time ; 
but rather grew worse. I could get no evidence, for 
months, that I ever knew any thing about religion. I 
looked up every thing of past experience, and every 



176 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

exercise of mind that I once thought was from the 
Lord ; but every thing of the kind appeared like de- 
ception, and hypocrisy. My greatest fears were that 
the Lord had never changed my heart ; and that I 
should be finally cast off forever. At length, I came 
to the conclusion that this trouble had arisen from a 
selfish plan ; that instead of asking the Lord what he 
would have me do ; I was trying to find out what he 
would do with me after death. After a season of re- 
flection and meditation, I concluded that, God being 
my helper, I would try to do his will and leave the 
welfare of my soul entirely to him. Since then, I 
think I have enjoyed my mind better ; but I do not 
enjoy it so well as I once did ; though I have at 
peace of mind at times, that I venture to call religion. 
Mrs. Crane enjoys her mind, for the most part of the 
time, remarkably well ; and so do many of the sisters, 
.and I have thought, at many times, that were it not 
for the faith, the confidence and prayers of the sisters, 
our church would lose its name in this world. The 
reformations in the neighboring towns, have rather 
abated. Nothing special around us at present. I do 
siot wonder that you thought I had forgotten you ; 
but, however, it is not so ; and had not the distance 
been so great, I should have been to you for advice 
■many times since I saw you. I am certain that I never 
needed your help so much as I have since you left 
Canton. We have no preaching engaged, and I don't 
know when we ever shall have. However, I think 
Mie situation of our church does not appear quite so 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 177 

alarming as it has for a month or two past. O ! I had 
forgotten to tell you that Mr, Capen, the husband of 
sister Capen, who died last spring, has experienced 
religion. Sister Low wishes to be remembered to 
you, and that I should remind you of your promise to 
write to her. I hope you will make me a visit soon. 

Yours, &c, 

Deacon F. Crane. 



Ohio Township, July, 1817. 

Dear Brother and Sister Kendall: — It is 
with satisfaction that I take my pen to communicate 
some of my thoughts to you. I am just w 7 hat I was 
when I used to enjoy your company. As it respects 
the cause of Christ in this land, the Lord has formed 
a people for himself, and we read in the Bible that 
such a people shall show forth his praise. These 
words, I think, are fulfilled in God's people in this 
world. I enjoy sweet fellowship with the saints in this 
quarter ; for if I was ever of any use in the cause of 
Christ, it is here ; but this is hid, in a great measure, 
from my eyes. I have heard that in some parts of 
Maine, the Lord is doing wonders among the sinful 
race of Adam. This causes me to rejoice. I pray 
the Lord that he will carry on his glorious work in 
the earth. I also hear good news from the westward 
of us. At the falls of Ohio, the Lord is converting 
hundreds of poor sinners. They that gladly receive 



178 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

his word are embracing Lis ordinances. I think it 
most probable that you have seen my letters to the 
brethren in New England ; therefore I shall not be so 
particular in giving you an abstract of the work 
of the Lord in this place. This church was 
composed of about twenty or thirty members, and 
now there are more than one hundred. There has 
not been but one Conference since that time, but what 
from one to ten have been baptized. Dear brother, 
when I look into myself, and see so many wants, and 
know that all God's people are exercised with the 
same thoughts, and then have a view of the fulness of 
God, then all my wants are supplied ; and this swal- 
lows up all my poverty and trials. I see no other way 
for me but to watch and pray, and regard all the com- 
mands of God ; for if the Lord Jesus Christ has 
promised to discharge all our debts, and bear our 
charges through this world home to heaven, what 
have we to fear ? Not any thing. Glory and praise 
to Almighty God for such a plan of grace. For God 
so loved us, that he gave us his Son, and he will freely 
give us all things ; and if there was no more in divine 
revelation, than the above proof, that is enough. 
Yours, in Brotherly Love, 

Samuel Smith. 



Philadelphia, March 20, 1820. 
Brother Kendall : — I received your kind letter 
of January, in one week after the date. I am inform- 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 179 

ed, 'by a letter from my sister, that you have since 
been called to suffer affliction by the death of one of 
your children. I hope you feel the consolation which 
the gospel affords. I hope those comforts are now 
yours, which you have so often been called to admin- 
ister to others. When I read your letter, it produced 
grief and joy. I lament that our Immanuel should be 
wounded in the house of his friends ; yet I rejoice that 
the church appears determined to heal her wounds, . 
and to amputate her incurable members. Be not dis- 
couraged. It is recorded of our Saviour, — " from that 
time, many went back, and walked no more with him." 
if we find persons whose goodness is like the dew of 
the morning, it is no more than the church of Christ 
has found in every age of the world. You. say, in> 
your letter, " we have good attention on the- Sabbath*, 
and some comfortable seasons." It would rejoice my 
heart to meet with you. I would say to my brethren, 
— live near to God, and would tell sinners of that 
Saviour who died to redeem them. If it should be 
the pleasure of our Heavenly Father to return me 
again to Topsham, it appears to me, I shall feel pecu- 
liar delight in mingling my prayers with yours, for the 
salvation of the people. 

I remain Yours, in the bonds of 

Christian Affection, 

Adam Wilson. 



Camden, May 1, 1830. 
Dear and Respected Friend: — I desire greatly 



180 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

t® acknowledge your favor, of March 5. We had 
hoped to see you here the past winter. I had encour- 
aged the little church here to expect a visit from you; 
but providence has ordered it otherwise. I knew 
your calls were many, and they appear to have in- 
creased upon you in your attendance on the sick and 

dying. Our dear sister M is called from a 

world of sin and sorrow to a world of everlasting joy- 
It must have been a great consolation to her that you 
was with her in the closing scene of life. I hope our 
divine Eedeemer will continue to strengthen you for 
all your labors, till you are called to drop this dying 
body, and hear the blessed sound : " well done, good 
and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy 
Lord." Deeply do I feel my separation from my dear 
friends in the church of Christ. The prosperity of 
that body lies near my heart. Oh ! that love and re- 
union may again pervade the hearts of all its mem- 
bers. The dear sisters, with whom I have been so 
long united in our little meetings for prayer, are ever 
before me; when I come to the throne of grace, I feel 
as if our hearts were there united, and that we shall 
finally meet to part no more forever. I have great 
cause to be grateful to my heavenly benefactor, in 
opening a way, in his kind providence, to supply our 
wants in the closing scene of life. I have often felt, 
of late, that my time was short, and death near , but, 
O, how unprepared ! I feel like a slothful creature in 
my master's vineyard. There appears to be but little 
of the power of religion in this place. God is solemn- 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 181 

by warning us of our mortality, by calling one and 
another around us. There have been many sudden 
deaths. This afternoon I attended the funeral of a 
brother and sister, both conveyed to the grave in the 
same hearse. But the wise and the foolish still con- 
tinue to sleep. May the Lord, in his infinite mercy 
put a cry into the hearts of his dear children for the 
reviving influence of the Holy Spirit in the souls of 
all that have been called from darkness to light ; and 
for the awakening of careless and secure sinners ; that 
we may yet witness this great salvation of which we 
are in expectation. I hope our Heavenly Father 
will direct your mind this way ; and that we shall see 
you here this present season. Pray for me, that I 
may live by faith upon the dear Eecleemer. I cannot 
close my letter without expressing my gratitude for all 
your kind attention to us. May the blessed Saviour 
grant you all needful supplies of grace. 

With respect, Your Friend, 

Elizabeth L. Porter. 



Canton, July 1, 1817. 

Dear Brother : — I improve the present time to 
write a few lines to my dear Elder, who is about to. 
leave us for a season, if not forever. Believe me, Sir, , 
when I tell you that my affection for you is as great 
as ever, and I had anticipated a pleasing interview 
with you, when I could tell you some of tha many 
16 



182 



AUTOBIOGRAPHY 01 



trials which beset me, and receive advice, reproof and 
instruction from you, as I have formerly received. 
Last night, I could say, not only the end, but the jour- 
ney of the perfect man is pea.ce. Yet, often, my jour- 
ney is beset with trials and temptations ; and I think 
• sometimes I need some one who has more grace and 
prudence than myself, to teach me. Such a one are 
-you, as I believe. I earnestly request that when you 
and I are far separated by mountains and valleys, by 
sea and land, and you draw near to your dear Saviour 
in the closet, or around your family altar, or attend 
the public worship of God ; when you remember, at 
^the throne of grace, the members of the infant churches 
.of Canton and Sharon, you will especially remember 
•me, an unworthy brother. In my present feelings, I 
promise to remember you. I think I rejoice that the 
-time is not far distant, when I trust that you and I 
shall meet and never more part. These lively hopes 
-we owe to Jesus's dying love. Adieu, dear, very dear 
brother ; and believe you have my best wishes and 
-poor prayers for your temporal and eternal happiness. 

E. Tilden, JR. 



Columbia, May 4, 1842. 

t Bear -Father Kendall : — The Baptist church 

"in East Madias are now destitute of preaching, and 

have no oneto minister to them in holy things. When 

J was in that .town a few days since, the committee 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 183 

which was appointed to procure some one to preach 
to them, urgently requested me to write and inform 
you that it is their anxious desire that you would come 
and labor in that part of the gospel vineyard. And 
they are the more encouraged to do this, on account 
of some conversation between yourself and my Uncle 
William Brown, on this very subject, during his visit 
to your vicinity the past winter ; where I understand 
it was intimated that you would be pleased to come 
down this way and spend a few Sabbaths, more or 
less, the approching summer, or until they could pro- 
cure a permanent supply. For my own part, Imust 
say that I am exceedingly anxious that you should 
come ; and hope that your health and other circum- 
stances will permit you to come immediately. It is a 
very interesting time, as it respects the prosperity of 
the cause of Christ, in this region, at the present mo- 
ment. There is scarcely a Baptist church in this 
vicinity, that has not been more or less revived since 
the beginning^of the present year. And the constant 
cry is, come over and help us. Hardly a week passes 
in which I do not receive a request to visit some place 
and labor in word and doctrine. But I cannot, if I 
were disposed. My engagements here are such that 
our Baptist friends would not consent to release me. 
I have now been laboring in this town four or five 
months, and I am happy to inform you that my labor 
has not been in vain, in the Lord, to whom be ail the 
praise. During the present spring, the Lord has 
greatly revived his work in brother Billing's church, 



184 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

in Addison, a town adjoining this. Between nifty 
and sixty have already obtained a hope: and the 
good work is still progressing. Ten have been bap- 
tized, and I am expecting to be present at a baptis- 
mal season this afternoon, in that town. Sixteen can- 
didates are waiting to follow the example of our bless- 
ed Saviour, by being buried with him in th e hob/ 
ordinance of baptism. But I have time to write no 
more. Please inform me by mail as soon as your 
convenience will permit, so that I may seasonably 
apprise our Baptist friends in East Machias of your 
determination. Also remember me kindly to my 
parents, in Brunswick, if you have opportunity. 
Likewise to my Uncle and Aunt Hall, and all other 
inquiring friends. Excuse me, for I write in extreme 
haste. 

With assurance of much respect and esteem, I am 
very affectionately, yours in the Gospel of Christ, 
Soger Wms. E. Brown. 
To Elder H. Kendall, 

Topsham, Maine. 



Camden, May 8th, 1843. 
Father Kendall : — You will excuse me, I hope, 
or presuming to address a few lines to you at present, 
as I feel desirous to communicate to you what will? 
doubtless, be in some small degree, a source of grati- 
fication to one who has always manifested some inter- 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. J 85 

est In my eternal welfare. To speak to you of my 
former religious feelings would be altogether useless, 
as you are probably well aware of what they have 
been. But I am desirous. to acquaint you with some 
of the feelings which I have of late experienced, for 
I trust that the Spirit of God has at length found me 
out ; and once more placed me upon sure footing. 
Perhaps you have some knowledge of the revival 
which has, of late, taken place at Waterville College, 
of which I am a member. God has indeed been there 
in his might, and has turned many from the ways of 
sin, and the deeps of iniquity, into the service of the 
only true God. About twenty have been hopefully 
converted from the error of their ways, and are now 
rejoicing in the Lord. It was a solemn time when 
the Spirit of the Most High was operating upon the 
hearts of men — bringing them to see the relations 
which they sustained to God and eternity; — the cor- 
rupt nature of their own hearts, and the holiness of 
God's divine government, and leading them, in view 
of these things, to cry out in the language of awakened 
sinners — "What shall we do to be saved?" Many 
of those who had been most opposed to religion, and 
who had been accustomed to disbelieve and ridicule 
every thing connected with it, were brought to ac- 
knowledge that there was, indeed, a God in the hea- 
vens, who took cognizance of e^ery thought, word 
and deed ; and who would speedily bring them into= 
judgment to answer for them, if unrepented of. The 

haughtv scoffer, and the daring blasphemer were 
16* 



186 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

brought to confess their sins, and bow the knee before 
the King of heaven, acknowledging that he was great- 
er and mightier than they. The interest has in some 
measure abated at present, at least, among the uncon- 
verted. The chief attention of the young converts is 
now directed to their own establishment in the faith, 
their growth in grace, and advancement in religious 
knowledge. It is the intention to have daily meetings 
during the summer, for the purpose of prayer and 
mutual instruction, probably about an hour each day. 
We are desirous of acquiring an ease and familiarity 
in speaking in meetings upon religious subjects, so 
that we may be better prepared to fulfil our part when 
called upon under different circumstances. There is 
now a short vacation at the College, and I am spend- 
ing a few days in Camden, There has been no par- 
ticular interest here since, you left, with the exception 
of a short season of revival last year in the Methodist 
church. The state of religion here now is very low 
2 n all the churches. Why it is that while the Lord is 
-at work all around us, this town is passed by, I know 
not, unless there may be some Jonahs here. I sin- 
cerely pray to God that if I am in the way, he will 
remove me out of the way, in the manner best pleasing 
to him. I think I am anxious to see the work of the 
Lord advanced here and am willing to do whatever 
'God may require of me for that purpose. Mr. Dun- 
bar has taken his dismission as pastor over the church, 
and Elder Bartlett has accepted a call from them. 
Xou. don't know, Father Kendall, how much I desire 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 187 

to see you, and talk with you upon many points 
While I was striving to get back into the place from 
which I fell, I thought that if I could but see you, it 
would be all that I could ask. I was completely be- 
wildered, and was indeed lost, But I trust that I have 
been found, and by the Spirit of God. For, if it had 
depended upon myself, I should have always remained 
in the dark. I felt that you would understand my 
case perfectly, and could I see you, I could find out 
what to do. Everything that was told me appeared 
blind, and I could not understand it. I knew what * 
wanted, but did not know how to get it. I trust I 
shall have the privilege of seeing you soon, and of 
conversing with you upon many subjects. Oh ! that 
I had properly appreciated the privilege while I en- 
joyed it. How much might I have learned of the plan 
of salvation, and of the manner of God's workings 
with the children of men. God helping, I mean for 
the future, to avail myself more of the advantages of 
those kinds, which I may en]oy. I may go to college 
and books for instruction, but to learn of the pure 
doctrines of grace, and to understand the pure princi- 
ples of the Bible, I desire to have, for instructors, aged 
and experienced ministers of the gospel. 

I find, as yet, some difficulty in reconciling fully 
free grace and God's complete sovereignty, and should 
like much to have you explain upon them to me. •*■ 
firmly believe in both, and could with difficulty bring 
myself to do otherwise, even if I wished, but cannot 
clearly see the connection between the two. I have 



188 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

not as yet joined any church, though I intend to do 
so before long. I am a Baptist in every thing, I be- 
lieve. I would gladly write more of my feelings, but 
it is easy for you to understand what they have been, 
for it almost seems to me that you can tell people's 
feelings by looking at them. I shall return to Water- 
ville on Monday next, and hope to receive from you 
an answer to this letter as soon as is convenient for 
you to write. Please accept the kind wishes of father, 
mother and all the family, as well as those of an 
an unworthy worm. N. M. Wood. 



Topsham, Aug. 14, 1842. 
Dear Father: — We received yours of the 10th, 
and one you wrote ten days after you left home ; but 
but we forgot to mention it in ours of the 5th. And 
now, Dear Father, it becomes my painful duty to in- 
form you that Asenath has gone, to be here no more 
forever. She died Wednesday, the 10th inst., at 3 
o'clock in the morning ; the same day you wrote. She 
remained as comfortable as when I wrote, until about 
24 hours before she died ; when she had a more se- 
vere pain in the bowels, which passed off into her 
stomach ; but they soon relieved her of her distress 
and she remained quite easy until dark, when her 
senses were gone, and her nerves in a dreadful state 
until Death closed the scene. The Doctor thinks that 
mortification took place twenty-four hours before she 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 189 

died. Elder Adams talked faithfully to her, but Oh ! 
she has died without any change in her mind, or any 
reflections on the past, that we know of. 0, may the 
Lord sustain you and us ; and prepare you and us for 
whatever he has prepared for us, is the prayer of your 
only son. Hiram Kendall. 



Dear Brother Kendall : — I am now in Boston 
and find an opportunity to inform you how the good 
work of God is going on in Dorchester, N. B. Bro- 
ther S continues to preach with us ; and would 

like to hear from you, as we all should. When you 
left us, we had hopes of seeing you again ; but our 
hopes are all blasted. I wish you to write and let us 
know how the good work of God prospers with you. 
I know that He can do anything that is consistent with 
His holy will. The state of religion has been very 
low with us ; but of late there is quite a revival. Old 
christians are waking up ; and the Lord appears to be 
going forth in the greatness of his power. The prayer 
of this worm is, that it may continue until the earth 
be full of the Glory of Cod. Do write and let us 

know all about your situation. Brother S 's wife 

is still deranged. Bro. Davis is still in Sackville 
Young Mrs. Cole, who lived in our house when you 
.was there, has been baptized, and is a good member 
the church. I remain your friend till death. 

Boston, Sept. 15, 1837. Mariner Lamb. 



*90 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

A Judgment Hymn— Written Nov. 24, 1845 

1 Awake, my soul ,from slumbers ! 

Behold ! the Judge is nigh ; 
The midnight cry proclaims him, 
Descending down the sky. 

2 The elements are melting ; 

The moon is turned to blood ; 
The sun withdraws its shining, 
Before its maker, God. 

3 Behold the graves are opening ; 

The saints begin to rise ; — 
With raiments white and shining, 
To meet him in the skies. 

4 The mountains, they are melting ; 

The seas are all on flame : 
The saints are shouting Glory ! 
To Jesus' blessed name. 

3 They rise in his blest likeness,, 
To weep for sin no more ; 
They triumph in his brightness ; 
On Glory's blissful shore. 

6 They'll praise his name forever, 

Who brought them home to God ; 
And sing Redeeming Mercy, 
Through Jesus' precious blood. 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 191 

7 Redeemed millions praise Him, 

Upon the highest key, 
Who bled and died for sinners, 
Upon Mount Calvary. 

8 Then all the saints in glory, 

In armies broad and long, 
Will praise the Great Redeemer, 
In one eternal sons;. 



November 21, 1851. — I am now in my 78th 
year. For two years past I have been almost 
distracted with a diseased head, which has af- 
fected my whole nervous s}^stem. For three 
months, I have preached most of the Sabbaths. 
Of late, I have supplied the church in Liberty 
several sabbaths ; and have enjoyed some pre- 
cious seasons. Several lovely youths have ex- 
perienced religion the season past ; and to hear 
them talk and pray, in our social meetings, has 
been really interesting, and has revived many 
of the past seasons of life. 

Early last spring, I was called to preach a few 
Sabbaths with the first Baptist church in Hallo- 
well, as they were destitute of a pastor. They 
were in a very distracted state. There I wit- 
nessed the sad effects of imprudence in their 



192 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

former pastors, who suffered themselves to be 
identified with a party, and after they left, had 
correspondence with their party. Therefore the 
division had been increased, so as to threaten 
the destruction of the church. After spending 
six sabbaths with them, I returned home, sick in 
body and in soul. But after a while, they con- 
cluded to drop the controversy, and united in 
settling another pastor. Our pastor being out 
of health last summer, I supplied his pulpit 
four sabbaths. But almost throughout this entire 
region the churches appear to be in a Laodicean 
state. Oh ! when will the sun of Righteousness 
arise with healing in his wings ? 

November 28. — I was not able to attend my 
appointment last sabbath in Liberty, by reason 
of an ague sore in my head ; neither shall I be 
able to attend with them next Sabbath, although 
I am some better. I feel deeply interested for 
their spiritual welfare ■* 

December 28, 1851. — Supplied the church at 
Liberty two sabbaths more. Having received an 
appointment from Bro. N. Butler to assist him in 
collecting money for Foreign Missions, 1 went 
to South China and collected $9/25. I then 
went to Hallowell and attended the ordination 
of Bro. Taylor, and heard a sermon from Dr. 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 193 

Pattison which did me much good. I then wen t 
to Alna and Newcastle, and made arrangements 
with Bro. Mathews to collect their missionary 
money. I then returned home and was taken 
sick, and have been unable to preach or travel 
up to this time. 

February 15, 1852. — I started again on my 
agency, and went to Damariseotta, Nobleboro', 
Waldoboro', and two churches in Jefferson and 
Whitefield. I then returned home, having col- 
lected $8,45. Since that time I have tried to 
preach four sermons ; but with great weakness 
and distress in my head. 

To-day, July 3d, 1852, I am 78 years old. 
what a worthless creature I am ! Much of my 
time I am contemplating my exit into the eternal 
world — sometimes with complacency, at other 
times it looks dark. But I hope through the suf- 
ferings of my dear Redeemer, I shall be found 
a pardoned rebel. What a solemn thing it is to 
die ! and yet I seem to have a peculiar pleasure 
in bringing it near. Why should 1 fear to die, 
since Jesus died and conquered death for all his 
members ? 

Should I be found among that throng, 
Redeemed with Jesus' blood ; 
17 



1^4 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

Eternity '11 be none too long 
To praise the triune God. 

. I have just received the news of the death of 
my long loved brother, Dea. J. Perkins, of Mer- 
edith, N. H. His son writes : " I never saw a 
man enjoy himself better than he did in his last 
sickness." He was about 85 years old. 

August 12, 1852, I received the following let- 
ter, from my dear grand-daughter, Mary E. 
Fairfield, of Portland, dated August 10th, 1853. 

Dear Grandpa : — I have wished to write to you 
a long time, but have not been able for want of time 
to say all I wished to. I suppose you will think me 
very worldly not to have time to write one letter. I 
work in the shop ; and when I am at home my time 
is wholly engaged in work. Sundays I go to meeting 
all day. Dear Grandpa, you may have heard that I 
have (as I hope and trust) laid up my treasure in 
Heaven, where moth nor rust does not corrupt, nor 
thieves break through and steal. I have not enjoyed 
my mind so well for a few weeks past as I have at other 
times. Yet I cannot give up the hope that I haye, that 
I shall soon enjoy the light of God's countenance. I 
have had many doubts and fears of late. I have looked 
at myself; and when I see how sinful my heart is, I 
feel as though I had never known what true religion 
is. I know there are those who rest on something 
short of true religion; and I fear lest I should be one 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 195 

of them. I think that is some reason why I have not 
enjoyed my mind any better of late. O, how I wish 
you were here to talk to me and give me good advice ! 
Oh ! Grandpa, I want you to pray for me. I want to 
be better. I want to love God with all my heart. It 
seems as if I could tell a srood warm hearted christian 
just how I feel. I cannot find words to express what 
I do feel. There is so much pride and sin left, that I 
think sometimes, if I were a child of God, I should 
be better. I do not doubt the goodness and mercy 
of God. If I know my own heart, it is my sincere 
desire to be a faithful disciple of Christ. Last No- 
vember, I went to the Ward Eoom on Franklin street, 
where a Baptist meeting was held. That evening, I 
think I felt my situation in some measure. I contin- 
ued to go there. I was deeply convicted; and in 
about three weeks, I trust I gave my heart to God. 
Since that, they have been recognized as the third 
Baptist church in this city. Quite a number have 
been baptized and have joined the church ; of whom 
I am one. We have an excellent pastor, Mr. Brown, 
I know you will like him, he is such a good man. A 
number of your friends from Harpswell and Topsham 
are here. They wish to see you very much. Do 
come this fall. Mother and the children have gone 
out of town to spend the week. No doubt you have 
heard of the death of Howard and Levi. They have 
gone, to be here no more. I think they are at rest ; 
and I shall one day meet them in that bright land, 
where parting words are not spoken. 0, do write 



196 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

a long letter soon ! Mrs. Horrie says she wants to hear 
you sound your trumpet once more. Do come and 
see us this fall, both of you. 

Mary E. Fairfield. 

The above letter made my heart glad ; and 
soon after, I wrote the following letter to her. 

China, Aug. 1852. 
My Dear Mary E. Fairfield : — Yours of the 
10th is received ; and nothing could' have gladdened 
my heart more, than to hear that you have passed 
from death to life. I humbly hope that God has an- 
swered your dear mother's prayers on her dying bed. 
From that time till now, you have shared my feeble 
prayers ; and from the tenor of your letter I can but 
think that you have chosen that good part that will 
keep you from the snares of sin in youth and sustain 
you in a dying hour. I gather my strongest hope of 
you from the complaint you make about your deprav- 
ity; for the reign of grace will certainly lead the 
christian to cry out, " Oh, wretched creature that I 
am !" This will lead you to see the necessity of watch- 
fulness and prayer for grace to overcome your own 
propensity to sin. But O, I tire ! Alas ! my trem- 
bling hand. My health is poor. I am unable to go to 
meeting. My nerves are so weak I cannot bear the 
singing and preaching. I must soon go to the grave. 
If I should get better, we shall try to visit you this 
fall. Give our best respects to your father and moth- 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 19"' 

er and the children. We should be glad to see you 
Iiere. Your affectionate grand-father, 

Henry Kendall. 

September 2, 1852. — Myself and wife went 
to Topsham and Brunswick to visit my children. 
We then went to Harpswell and spent the sab- 
bath. Monday we went on board a sloop, and 
arrived at Portland about one o'clock, P. M., 
and found my dear grand-daughter, Mary E., 
taking her bed with a settled fever. She was 
unable to converse ; but her hope in Christ ap- 
appeared firm. The next morning, I went to 
her bed and found her very feeble. She put her 
dear arm around my neck and said, " Grandpa, 
pray for me." She continued to sink till Friday 
night, and then took her flight from earth to 
heaven, to dwell forever with Christ, to whom 
she had given her heart in the bloom of life. 
Thus her dear parents have been bereaved of 
four dear children from nine years old to seven 
teen, in the space of fifteen weeks. But they 
have been divinely supported under those bitter 
strokes. But to myself it is a bi ter sweet. To 
see her cut down in the bloom of life, with all 
her loveliness and piety, is very bitter. But when 
1 think of the boundless mercy of God in res- 
cuing her soul in youth, and preparing her for 
17* 



198 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

and taking her home to heaven, I am ready to 
say, it is enough. For I shall soon go to her. 
She cannot return to me. 

November.— I have just heard of the death of 
my dear brother, Elder Isaac Case, with whom 
I have enjoyed much sweet counsel and fellow- 
ship, for fifty years. He died in the 92d year 
of his age. " Blessed are the dead who die in 
the Lord ; for they rest from their labors and 
their works do follow them." He was, almost 
13 years older than myself. 

My soul attend. He beckons thee away, 

To leave this world of sin and join in endless day ; 

To praise the blessed Lamb, who bought us with his 

blood, 
And through much tribulation has brought us home 

to God. 

May, 1853. — Within the two last years I have 
heard of the death of my last brother and two 
sisters. And I am the only one left of my 
mother's ten children. I have recently been 
called to part with another lovely grand-daughter, 
Angelia liowland, of Topsham, aged 17, who 
died in the hope of a blessed immortality. 

July, 1853.— I have entered upon my eight- 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 199 

ieth year, and have been able to supply the 
church in China, for three months past. But, 
" The land of silence and of death 
Attends my next remove. 
Oh may these poor remains of breath 
Teach the wide world thy love !" 

China, Dec. 10, 1853. — This afternoon my 
thoughts have been running over the past scenes 
of my life, and, although I am very feeble and 
my nerves are so unstrung that I cannot guide 
my pen steadily, I thought I would write a few 
lines for the close of this book. 

I have received the Minutes of nearly all the 
Associations in this State, and have looked over 
the names of the Baptist ministers that now oc- 
cupy this great field. I find but very few now 
living that were my fellow-laborers 40 years ago; 
and this is true, in a great measure, in all the 
States where I have travelled to preach the gos- 
pel. I often find myself calling over their names 
and thinking of the sweet counsel we have taken 
together, and also of the thousands of dear 
saints with whom I have held sweet fellow- 
ship, who are also gone the way of all the earth. 
I shall see them no more. 

Thus I reflect,till my heart is overwhelmed, and 
my eyes are filled with tears, and I exclaim, — 



200 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 

" The fathers, where are they ? and the prophets 
do not live forever ; but all these who have died 
in the faith have gotten the victory, through the 
blood of the Lamb and the word of their testi- 
mony ; and they are walking in white where no 
sin can enter." Some times my unworthy soul 
longs to be with them. But here I am, almost 
fourscore years old ; I must soon follow them. 

There is one subject that lies like a mountain 
on my soul ; it is the present state of the churches. 
I have long noticed a general decline of vital 
piety, and many of the professed children of 
God have betaken themselves to the elements of 
the world, regardless of their covenant engage- 
ments. They have become vain, with foolish 
talking and jesting, to say nothing of tattling and 
backbiting, which God has forbidden. It is true, 
once in a while there is a little revival and a few 
are added to the church ; but alas, how many 
of them turn again to folly. The lack of faith- 
ful discipline also, is opening the mouths of gain- 
sayers. 

Is it not time for the ministers of Christ to lift 
up their voices like a trumpet, to cry aloud and 
spare not, until they have shown to the church 
their transgression, before God shall come to 
make inquisition for blood ? 



ELDER HENRY KENDALL. 201 

Oh, the importance of being found on our 
watch-tower ! Let us then not sleep as do oth- 
ers, ,but let us gird on the whole armor of God, 
that when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, we 
may meet him with joy. Henry Kendall. 



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